AP US Government and Politics - Executive Branch Review

Executive Branch Qualifications

  • President and Vice-President must be:

    • Natural-born citizens

    • At least 35 years old

    • Resident of the U.S. for 14 years

Presidential Powers

  • Formal Powers:

    • Veto legislation

    • Command armed forces

    • Appoint federal judges

  • Informal Powers:

    • Executive orders

    • Executive agreements

    • Influence public opinion

Roles of the President

  1. Chief Executive: Enforces laws, administers government.

  2. Commander in Chief: Leads military forces.

  3. Legislative Leader: Proposes legislation, vetoes bills.

  4. Chief Diplomat: Negotiates treaties, directs foreign policy.

  5. Head of State: Represents the nation ceremonially.

Impactful Amendments on Presidency

  • 12th Amendment: Electoral College procedures.

  • 20th Amendment: Inauguration date change.

  • 22nd Amendment: Limits presidential terms.

  • 23rd Amendment: Grants electoral votes to D.C.

  • 25th Amendment: Presidential succession and disability.

Vice-Presidential Powers

  • Assumes presidency if the president is incapacitated.

  • Casts tie-breaking votes in the Senate.

War Powers Resolution

  • Restricts president's ability to deploy troops.

  • Requires congressional approval for military action after 60 days.

Checks on Executive Branch

  • Legislative Checks: Can override vetoes, confirm appointments, and impeach.

  • Judicial Checks: Judicial review of executive actions.

Federal Bureaucracy Components

  • Executive Office of the President: Chosen by the president.

  • Executive Departments/Cabinet: Headed by secretaries, chosen by the president.

  • Independent Agencies: Established by Congress, directors appointed by the president.

  • Regulatory Commissions: Created by Congress, serve fixed terms.

  • Government Corporations: Established by Congress, operate like businesses.

Bureaucratic Accountability

  • Congress can hold hearings, cut budgets, and pass legislation to regulate.

Important Terms

  • Spoils System/Patronage: Political party rewards for support.

  • Civil Service Act/Merit System: Appointments based on qualifications.

  • Hatch Act: Limits political activity of federal employees.

Federalist #70 Arguments

  • A strong, energetic executive is necessary for good government.

  • Singular executive is more effective than multiple.

Iron Triangles

  • Involves three entities: Congress, bureaucratic agencies, and interest groups.

  • Works through mutual benefit to create policy outcomes.