Federalist 70
An essay by Alexander Hamilton arguing for a strong, energetic executive led by a single president.
22nd Amendment
Limits the president to two terms in office.
Formal Powers
Powers expressly granted in the Constitution.
Informal Powers
Powers not laid out in the constitution but used to carry out presidential duties.
Chief Executive
The president's role in carrying out laws and managing the executive branch.
Article II
The section of the constitution that established the powers and responsibilities of the president and executive branch.
Cabinet
The president's top advisors who lead executive departments and help shape policy.
Chief Dipomat
The president's role in managing foreign policy and representing the U.S. to other countries.
Treaty
An agreement with a foreign government negotiated by the president and requiring a two-thirds vote in the Senate to radify.
Chief Legislator
The president's role in influencing lawmaking and shaping the legislative agenda.
State of the Union Address
The annual speech from the president to Congress updating that branch on the state of national affairs.
Veto
A formal rejection by the president of a bill that has passed both houses of Congress.
Pocket Veto
An informal veto caused when the president chooses not to sign a bill within ten days, during a time when Congress has adjourned at the end of a season.
Commander-in-Chief
The president's role as head of the armed forces, directing military operations.
Presidential Pardon
Presidential authority to release individuals convicted of a crime from legal consequences and set aside punishment for a crime.
Executive Privilege
A right claimed by presidents to keep certain conversations, records, and transcripts confidential from outside Scrutiny, especially that of Congress.
Executive Agreement
An agreement between a president and another nation without Senate approval.
Signing Statement
A written statement issued by the president when signing a bill into law that explains how they interpret and intend to enforce it.
Executive Order
Policy directives issued by presidents that do not require Congressional approval.
War Powers Resolution
A law passed over President Nixon's veto that restricts the power of the president to maintain troops in combat for more than sixty days without Congressional authorization.
Impeachment
The process of removing a president from office.
U.S. v. Nixon
Case that limited the president's executive privilege, requiring Nixon to turn over white house tapes.
25th Amendment
Establishes clear procedures for presidential succession and disability
Executive Office of the President
A collection of offices within the white house organization designed by mainly to provide information to the president.
National Security Council
A group of advisors who help the president coordinate military and foreign policy decision.
White House Office
The president's personal staff who manage daily operations and advise on policy and political matters.
White House Press Secretary
The official who communicates the president's messages and answers questions from the media.
Bargaining and Persuasion
An informal tool used by the president to persuade members of Congress to support his or her policy initiatives.
Bully Pulpit
Presidential appeals to the public to pressure other branches of government to support his or her policies.
Going Public
When the president appeals directly to the people to gain support for policies and pressure Congress.
Honeymoon Period
The early part of a president's term when public approval is high and passing new policies is easier.
Hamdi v. Rumsfield
Case that confirmed U.S. citizens held as enemy combatants have the right to challenge their detention in court.