Presidential Powers
What is the President’s role in the military?
The President is the Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Armed Forces.
This persons primary role is to serve as the President of the Senate and to succeed the President if necessary.
Vice president
Which article of the Constitution establishes the Executive Branch?
Article II
What is the difference between an executive agreement and a treaty?
A treaty requires Senate approval, while an executive agreement does not.
How does a presidential pardon differ from a commutation, and what is an example of its use?
A pardon forgives a person’s crime, while a commutation reduces their sentence.
what is a directive issued by the President that has the force of law without needing congressional approval?
executive order
This consists of the heads of the executive departments who advise the President on policy and administration.
Cabinet
What happens if a President is impeached?
The President is put on trial in the Senate, and if convicted, they are removed from office.
How do executive orders differ from laws passed by Congress?
Executive orders do not require approval by Congress and can be issued directly by the President.
How can the First Lady influence policy or public opinion?
The First Lady can champion causes, use the media to promote initiatives, and influence public opinion.
What power does the President have to reject a bill passed by Congress?
Veto
A law that establishes the line of succession if the President and Vice President are unable to serve, starting with the Speaker of the House. (bonus: what amendment does this apply to?)
Presidential Succession Act of 1947
25th amendment
What does the “take care clause” of the Constitution require the President to do?
It requires the President to ensure that the laws are faithfully executed.
What authority allows the President to issue executive orders, and how is it rooted in the Constitution?
The authority comes from the President’s constitutional role to ensure laws are faithfully executed and powers delegated by Congress.
Who typically serves on the National Security Council?
The President, Vice President, Secretary of Defense, and Secretary of State, among others.
What term refers to the President’s ability to withhold certain information from Congress or the courts?
Executive Privilege
Name two examples of executive agencies. and describe their functions
The CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) and EPA (Environmental Protection Agency).
What does Article II, Section 1 of the Constitution outline?
The qualifications, terms, and election process for the President.
What is the significance of presidential directives in managing international alliances?
Presidential directives are used to set policies or guidelines for managing international alliances or national security issues, as the president is the representative face of the United States.
What is the role of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)?
To help the President prepare the federal budget and oversee the administration of federal agencies.
What executive order desegregated the U.S. military in 1948?
Executive order 9981
How do executive agencies contribute to the functioning of the federal government?
They enforce laws and regulations passed by Congress, ensuring policies are implemented and followed at the national level.
What is detailed in Article II, Section 2 about presidential powers?
The President’s powers, including being Commander-in-Chief, making treaties, and appointing officers and judges.
What is a bureaucracy, and what are the three key principles that define its structure and operation?
A bureaucracy is a large, complex administrative structure that handles the everyday business of an organization. Its three key principles are hierarchical authority, job specialization, and formalized rules
What is a presidential pardon, and who can receive one?
A presidential pardon is forgiveness of a crime, and it can be granted to anyone convicted of a federal offense.