Ap Gov
25 Amendment
Constitutional amendment that clearly defines that the vice-president becomes president (not just an acting president) in the event of the death or incapacitation of the President of the United States. The amendment also allows for the president to sign over her or his duties to the vice-president if (s)he will be unable to temporarily discharge her or his duties.
22 Amendment
Constitutional amendment that limits the number of full terms a president can serve to two.
reprieve
Constitutionally provided power of the president to postpone a person's punishment for a federal crime.
Veto
The power of one branch of the government to refuse approval of measures proposed by another.
executive order
directive issued by the president to one or more agency or organization within the executive branch. This is an inherent power of the president that allows him or her to, as the Constitution directs, "take care that the laws be faithfully executed" (Article II, Section 3).
pardon
express power of the president to forgive individuals of federal crimes resulting in the release from prison or punishment.
Commander-in- Chief
express role of the president to serve as head of the armed forces
war powers act (or Resolution) of 1973
federal law passed after the Vietnam War attempting to limit presidential war-making powers by requiring more consultation with and oversight by Congress.
Chief Executive
formal Constitutional role of the president as head and chief administrator of the executive branch.
clemency
general term for the president's power to grant forgiveness for a crime in whole or in part. Pardons and reprieves are two types of clemency
presidential succession act of 1947
law that set the line of presidential succession if neither the president nor vice-president could no longer serve; behind the vice-president is the Speaker of the House, followed by the President Pro-Tempore of the Senate.
pocket veto
occurs when the president does not sign a bill into law within 10 days of arriving on his desk and if Congress has officially adjourned (but not simply recessed).
implied (informal) powers
powers not specifically given the president by the Constitution but have been traditionally exercised
war-making powers
refers to the power of the president to use the military to engage in acts of war
express (formal) powers
specific powers granted to the president by the constitution
Inherent powers
specific powers needed to carry out the express duties of the president.
4th branch of government
term sometimes made in reference to the mass media in relation to its capacity as a check on government power (also is a term referring to the bureaucracy, but that does not apply here).
presidential coattails
when a popular president can help members of her or his party win an election or pass legislation because of that popularity (i.e. "riding the President's coattails" to victory).
policy agenda
A set of policies or issues or underlying motives to be addressed by a political party, group, or individual. The President of the United States drives (or sets) the policy agenda for the White House and his party in Congress.
signing statement
An addition issued by the President that accompanies the signing of a law. These are often controversial because their legal status remains uncertain.
Veto Message
An official order that stops something from occurring that would otherwise happen (such as the President's or governor's right to stop something from being passed into law).
executive privilege
The right of the president to withhold certain information from Congress or the courts.
Bully Pulpit
a position of authority or public visibility that makes one's views known or rallies support
POTUS
acronym for President of the United States.
executive agreement
agreement made by the President of the United States and another foreign head of state that does not require a formal treaty and is not subject to Senate approval. This is an inherent power of the president in conducting foreign relations.
