AP GOV presidency

I. Key Vocabulary

1. Divided Government: When the presidency and Congress are controlled by different parties.

2. Twenty-Second Amendment: Limits the president to two terms.

3. Twenty-Fifth Amendment: Establishes presidential succession and procedures for disability. (When the president is in a coma or sum like the vice president can take over office)

4. Impeachment: The process of charging a president with misconduct, which can lead to removal if convicted by the Senate.

5. Watergate: Scandal involving Nixon’s abuse of power, leading to his resignation.

6. Commander in Chief: The president's role as leader of the armed forces.

7. State of the Union: Annual speech where the president outlines policy goals.

8. Executive Orders: Directives issued by the president that have the force of law.

9. Cabinet: Advisors heading executive departments who aid the president in decision-making.

10. Executive Agreements: International agreements made by the president without Senate approval.

11. Treaty: A formal agreement between countries requiring Senate ratification.

12. National Security Council (NSC): Advises the president on foreign and military policy.

13. Office of Management and Budget (OMB): Prepares the federal budget.

14. Council of Economic Advisers (CEA): Advises the president on economic policy.

15. Pocket Veto: When the president lets a bill die by not signing it within 10 days while Congress is not in session.

16. Signing Statement: President’s interpretation of a law when signing it.

17. Presidential Coattails: When voters elect members of Congress based on their support for the president.

18. Bully Pulpit: The president’s use of public visibility to influence public opinion.

19. War Powers Resolution: Limits the president's ability to deploy troops without Congress's approval.

20. Legislative Veto: Congressional ability to override executive actions, ruled unconstitutional.

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II. The Executive Branch (Article II)

- Key Clauses:

  - "The executive power shall be vested in a president."

  - "Take care that the laws be faithfully executed."

  - Established the offices of president and vice president.

- Requirements for Presidency:

  - At least 35 years old.

  - Natural-born citizen.

  - U.S. resident for at least 14 years.

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III. Formal and Informal Powers of the President

- Formal Powers (Constitutional):

  1. Veto power.

  2. Negotiate treaties (requires Senate approval).

  3. Commander in Chief of the armed forces.

  4. Appointment power (judges, ambassadors, cabinet members).

  5. Granting pardons.

- Informal Powers:

  1. Executive Orders: Issuing directives without congressional approval.

  2. Executive Agreements: Agreements with foreign nations without Senate ratification.

  3. Executive Privilege: Withholding information from Congress for national security.

  4. Bully Pulpit: Using public appearances to shape public opinion.

  5. Signing Statements: Expressing opinions about laws when signing them.

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IV. Presidential Roles

1. Chief Executive: Oversees the executive branch and enforces laws.

2. Commander in Chief: Leads the military but requires Congress for war declarations.

3. Chief Diplomat: Negotiates treaties and manages foreign relations.

4. Legislative Leader: Influences Congress, vetoes bills, and sets the policy agenda.

5. Economic Leader: Develops economic policies and submits the budget.

6. Party Leader: Leads their political party and supports candidates.

7. Head of State: Acts as the ceremonial leader of the U.S.

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V. Checks on Presidential Power

- By Congress:

  - Override vetoes (2/3 majority).

  - Approve treaties and appointments (Senate).

  - Impeach and remove the president.

- By the Judiciary:

  - Declare executive actions unconstitutional.

- By Public Opinion:

  - Popular support can constrain presidential power.

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VI. Important Amendments Related to the Presidency

1. 12th Amendment: Separate Electoral College votes for president and vice president.

2. 20th Amendment: Changed the inauguration date to January 20.

3. 22nd Amendment: Limits the president to two terms.

4. 25th Amendment: Establishes procedures for replacing the president or vice president if incapacitated.

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VII. Key Concepts

1. Impeachment Process:

   - House of Representatives drafts articles of impeachment.

   - Senate holds the trial (2/3 vote needed for conviction).

2. War Powers Resolution (1973):

   - Limits troop deployment to 60 days without congressional approval.

3. Imperial Presidency:

   - The concept that the presidency has gained more power than intended by the Constitution.

4. Honeymoon Period:

   - Early months of a presidency when approval ratings are high, and Congress is more cooperative.

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VIII. The Role of Supporting Agencies

- Executive Office of the President (EOP):

  - Helps manage the federal government.

- Key Offices:

  1. Office of Management and Budget (OMB): Prepares the federal budget.

  2. National Security Council (NSC): Advises on foreign and military policy.

  3. Council of Economic Advisers (CEA): Offers economic advice to the president.

- Presidential Staff:

  - Chief of Staff: Manages the White House.

  - Press Secretary: Communicates with the media.

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IX. Congressional vs. Presidential Powers

- Congressional Powers:

  - Declare war, control funding, and pass legislation.

- Presidential Powers:

  - Execute laws, oversee the military, and negotiate treaties.

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Explanation of Key Concepts Related to the Presidency

1. Divided Government: This occurs when the presidency and at least one chamber of Congress are controlled by different political parties, which can lead to gridlock in passing legislation.

2. Impeachment Process: The impeachment process is initiated by the House of Representatives drafting articles of impeachment. If approved, the process moves to the Senate, where a trial is held. A two-thirds majority is required for conviction, which can lead to removal from office.

3. War Powers Resolution (1973): This legislation limits the president's ability to deploy U.S. armed forces without congressional approval. The president can send troops for 60 days without consent, after which authorization from Congress is required.

4. Imperial Presidency: This term refers to the growing power of the presidency, often exceeding what the Constitution intended, leading to concerns about the concentration of power.

5. Honeymoon Period: The initial phase of a presidency, characterized by high approval ratings and effective cooperation with Congress. It typically lasts a few months after inauguration.

Impeachment Process

1. House Judiciary Committee

   • Investigates allegations against the president

   • Drafts articles of impeachment if sufficient evidence is found

2. House of Representatives

   • Votes on the articles of impeachment

   • Simple majority required to impeach the president

3. Senate Trial

   • Chief Justice of the Supreme Court presides

   • House managers present the case in the Senate

4. Senate Votes

   • Two-thirds majority required to convict and remove the president from office.