Chapter 13: The Presidency

Terms in this set (28)

Divided Government

The control of the Presidency by one party and the control of one or both houses of Congress by the other.

The Power to inform and Persuade:

President is required to give a State of the Union address. There is no Congressional Check.

State of The Union Address

Annual speech delivered by the president in late January or early February in fulfillment of the constitutional obligation of reporting to Congress the state of the union.

First used by Teddy Roosevelt; The nature of the presidential status as an ideal vehicle for persuading the public to support the president's policies.

The Veto Power:

President: Can veto any bill
Congressional Check: Congress can override the veto with a 2/3 majority vote.

Power giving the president the capacity to prevent bills passed by Congress from becoming a Law. Congress has the ability to override the veto with a 2/3 majority vote.

Congressional passage of a bill by 2/3 majority vote despite the presidents veto.

Presidential veto after congressional adjournment, executed merely by not signing a bill into law.

Presidential authority to negate particular provisions of a law while letting the remainder stand; granted by congress in 1996 but struck down by the Supreme Court in 1998.

The Appointment Power:

President: Has the ability to appoint executive and judicial officers.
Congressional Check: Congress has the ability to approve the presidents decision.

The president and his political appointees, who are responsible for directing the executive branch of government.

Top administration officials, most of whom are heads of departments in the executive branch.

White House Staff

Political appointees who work directly for the president, many of whom occupy offices in the White House.

Executive Office of the President (EOP)

Agency that house both top coordinating offices and other operating agencies.

Head of the White House staff, who has continuous, direct contact with the president.

The Power to Recommend:

President: Has the power to set the political agenda
Congressional Check: They can ignore and greatly modify a presidential recommendation.

The period after the presidential candidate has won the November election, but before the candidate assumes office as president on January 20th.

The first several months of the new candidates presidency where the reporters and the public are nicer and more forgiving then usual and the public is more receptive to new approaches.

The President as Commander in Chief:

The president is the Constitutional head of the U.S. armed forces.
Congressional Check: Congress has the power to declare war but hasn't done so since WWII

The President as Chief of State:

Presidential Powers: The president has the right to welcome visitors and administer oaths of office.
Congressional Check: None

Efficient Aspect

According to Walter Bagehot, the aspect of government that involves making policy, administering the laws, and settling disputes.

Dignified Aspect

According to Walter Bagehot, the aspect of government, including royalty and ceremony, that generates citizen respect and loyalty.

The First Lady:

Formal title for the president's wife.

Inherent Executive Power

Presidential authority inherent in the executive branch of government, although not specifically mentioned in the constitution.

Executive Orders

A presidential directive that has the force of law, although it is not enacted by congress.

Executive Privilege

The right of the president to deny Congress information it requests on the grounds that the activities of the executive branch must be kept confidential.

Removing the president or another official by federal law or removal by 2/3rds vote.

Independent Council

Legal officer appointed by the court to investigate allegations of criminal activity on the part of high-ranking members of the executive branch.

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