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.