Roles of the Prez
The nonpolitical, symbolic role as representative of the country. (state dinners, receive foreign ministers, receive state gifts, make speeches)
Head of State
Political rule split between the two parties - one party controls the executive and the other party controls one or both houses of Congress
EX: Democrats currently control executive (Joe Biden) and have a majority in the Senate. Republicans have a majority in the House.
Divided Government
A group of advisors selected by the President to help him/her in specific areas of the law. Made up of the VP, the heads of the federal executive departments (dept. of defense, dept. of transportation, dept. of agriculture, etc.).
Cabinet
The founders' vision of limited executive power -> resulted from fears of returning to tyrannical government like when the colonies were under the British Monarchy
Traditional Presidency
What are the Qualifications & Conditions to serve as President?
- Must be a natural born US citizen
- Must be a US resident for at least 14 years
- Must be at least 35 y/o
- Limited to two 4 year terms
- Chosen by Electoral College, not popular vote
The political role of the President as leader of a political party. (Signing bills into law, commanding the military, etc.)
Head of Government
Clarifications of laws passed by Congress issued by the president and having the full force of law.
EX: Free Ice Cream Law -> passed by Congress -> people taking advantage -> President issues clarification that everybody gets one free pint a week.
Executive Orders
The collection of organizations and departments that help the president with policy and political objectives
Executive Office of the President
The ongoing movement toward a higher degree of executive power since the 1930s because of interpreted powers
Modern Presidency
The President's role as head of federal agencies (FBI, CDC, CIA, NASA) & the person responsible for implementing national laws.
Chief Administrator
Chief Administrator: head of federal agencies and responsible for the implementation of national policy; appoints cabinet/bureaucracy members
Commander in Chief: top officer of the country’s military establishments and civilian head of US military forces
Chief Foreign Policy Maker: negotiates treaties, makes executive agreements with other countries
Executive Powers of the President
A president's authority to release or excuse a person from the legal penalties of a crime.
Pardoning Power
Position selected by the Prez to oversee the operations of all the White House Staff and controls access to the President
Chief of Staff
a president's ability to convince Congress, politicians, and the general public to cooperate with the administration's agenda
Power to Persuade
The President's role as the top officer of the military
Commander in Chief
State of the Union Address: speech given to Congress announcing the President’s agenda
Presidential Veto: authority to reject a bill passed by Congress; veto threat often brings compromise
Executive Orders: clarification of laws issued by the President and having full force of law
Signing statements: written statement when legislation is signed, commenting on president’s actions
Legislative Powers of the President
Presidential Powers implied but not specifically written in the Constitution -> has resulted in an increase of the President's power since the founders vision of a limited executive
Inherent Powers
Vice President
President's strategy of appealing to the public on an issue, expecting that public pressure will be brought to bear on other political actors.
Going Public
Executive staff who work with members of Congress to secure their support in getting a president's agenda passed
Legislative Liaison
Judicial Appointments: nominate judges to the federal courts and justices to Supreme Court
Pardoning Power: release or excuse person from legal penalties of a crime (Free Kodak)
Solicitor General: selected by president, argues government’s cases before Supreme Court
Judicial Powers of the President
What is the relationship between the Presidency and citizens of the US?
- increased connection btwn citizens and president because of modern technology (social media, news streaming, twitter, etc.)
- Citizens have the ultimate power over the president (We vote them in!)