unit 2B: the presidency

Alexander Hamilton argues that a single executive (led by one person as president, rather than several people acting as a council) is the best form for the executive branch of the United States.

Written comments issued by presidents while signing a bill into law that usually consist of political statements or reasons for signing the bill but that may also include a president's interpretation of the law itself.

An agreement with a foreign government negotiated by the president and requiring a two-thirds vote in the Senate to ratify.

An agreement between a president and another nation that does not have the same durability in the American system as a treaty but does not require Senate ratification.

Formal rejection by the president of a bill that has passed both houses of Congress.

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 session.

The branch of government charged with putting the nation's laws into effect.

Powers expressly granted in the Constitution.

The annual speech from the president to Congress updating that branch on the state of national affairs.

The process of removing a president from office, with articles of impeachment issues by a majority vote in the House of Representatives, followed by a trial in the Senate, with a two-thirds vote necessary to convict and remove.

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.

A right claimed by presidents to keep certain conversations, records, and transcripts confidential from outside scrutiny, especially that of Congress.

Policy directives issued by presidents that do not require congressional approval.

Powers not laid out in the Constitution but used to carry out presidential duties.

Presidential authority to release individuals convicted from a crime of legal consequences and forgive an individual and set aside punishment for a crime.

Informal tool used by the president to persuade members of Congress to support his policy initiatives.

A collection of offices within the White House organization designed mainly to provide information to the president.

Presidential appeals to the public to pressure other branches of government to support his policies.

A tactic through which presidents reach out directly to the American people with the hope that the people will, in turn, put pressure upon their representatives and senators to press for a president's policy goals.