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Roles and Power of the President

Susan Lewis

Susan Lewis

6 min read

Study Guide Overview

This study guide covers the Executive Branch, focusing on Presidential powers. Key topics include veto powers (including pocket vetoes and signing statements), foreign policy powers (Commander in Chief, War Powers Act, Chief Diplomat), treaties and executive agreements, and executive orders. The guide also emphasizes checks and balances between the branches, particularly between the President and Congress, and provides practice multiple-choice and free-response questions.

AP US Government: Executive Branch - The President 🏛️

Hey, future AP Gov rockstar! Let's dive into the executive branch, led by the one and only President of the United States. This is where Article II of the Constitution comes to life. While the powers here aren't as detailed as in the legislative branch, the President has a HUGE impact. Get ready to unpack some serious presidential power!

This section is super important for both multiple-choice and free-response questions. Pay close attention to the different types of presidential powers and how they interact with Congress.

Presidential Powers

Veto Powers and Signing Statements

When a bill lands on the President's desk, they've got options:

  • Sign it: The bill becomes law within 10 days. ✅

  • Veto it: The bill goes back to Congress, who can override with a 2/3 majority in both houses (rare!). 🙅🏻

Quick Fact

If the President doesn't act within 10 days while Congress is in session, it automatically becomes law!

-
Quick Fact

If Congress adjourns within those 10 days and the President doesn't sign, it's a pocket veto – the bill dies. 💀

- **Signing Statements:** When signing, the President can give their interpretation of the law and how the executive branch should enforce it. This is a big deal! 💡
Exam Tip

Remember the difference between a regular veto and a pocket veto. Also, pay attention to how signing statements can influence the implementation of laws.

Foreign Policy Powers

Presidents are key players in foreign policy:

  • Commander in Chief: They lead the military, but Congress declares war. ⚔️

Common Mistake

Presidents have sent troops into conflict without a formal declaration of war (e.g., Korea, Vietnam). This is a common point of contention.

- **War Powers Act:** This tries to limit presidential power by requiring notification to Congress within 48 hours of deploying troops. Deployment is limited to 60 days without Congressional approval. 💬 -
Quick Fact

Congress still controls the purse strings for war funding! 💵

- **Chief Diplomat:** The President appoints and receives ambassadors, and recognizes nations. They also do a lot of state visits. 🤝

Treaties and Executive Agreements

  • Treaties: Formal agreements negotiated by the President, but must be ratified by the Senate with a 2/3 majority. ✍️

Quick Fact

The Treaty of Versailles is a classic example of a treaty that failed to get Senate approval.

- **Executive Agreements:** Informal agreements that don't need Senate approval. They're not formal law but still carry weight. 🎩 -
Quick Fact

SALT I is a good example of an executive agreement.

Memory Aid

Think of Treaties as formal wedding vows (need Senate approval), while Executive Agreements are like a casual date (no Senate needed).

Executive Orders

  • These are part of the President's implied powers, allowing them to manage the federal government. 📜
  • They don't need Congressional approval, which can lead to conflict. 🔥
Key Concept

Executive orders are a prime example of how the President can exert influence without direct legislative action. They are often a source of tension between the executive and legislative branches.

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Source: Weebly

Final Exam Focus

Okay, deep breaths! You've got this. Here's what to focus on for the exam:

  • Presidential Powers: Know the difference between formal (veto, treaties) and informal (executive orders, agreements) powers. How do these powers check and balance other branches?
  • Checks and Balances: Understand how Congress can check the President (e.g., War Powers Act, treaty ratification) and vice-versa (veto, executive orders).
  • Foreign Policy: Be familiar with the President's role as commander-in-chief and chief diplomat.
  • Executive Orders: Understand the impact and potential for conflict with Congress.
Exam Tip

Time Management: Don't get bogged down on one question. If you're stuck, move on and come back. Read FRQ prompts carefully and make sure you understand what each part of the question is asking. Use the rubric to your advantage.

Common Pitfalls

  • Confusing treaties and executive agreements.
  • Forgetting the War Powers Act details.
  • Not understanding the impact of signing statements.
  • Overlooking the potential for conflict between the President and Congress.
Exam Tip

Practice, practice, practice! The more you work with these concepts, the more confident you'll feel.

Practice Question

Multiple Choice Questions

  1. Which of the following is an example of a check on the president’s power to appoint judges? (A) The House of Representatives must approve all judicial appointments. (B) The Senate must approve all judicial appointments. (C) The Supreme Court must approve all judicial appointments. (D) The president’s party must approve all judicial appointments.

  2. The president’s use of executive agreements has increased over time because they (A) require Senate approval. (B) do not require Senate approval. (C) are more difficult to implement than treaties. (D) are subject to judicial review.

Free Response Question

The President's power to influence domestic policy is often limited by the checks and balances in the Constitution.

(a) Describe two enumerated powers Congress has in influencing domestic policy. (b) Explain how each of the following can limit the president’s influence on domestic policy: - Judicial Review - The Senate (c) Explain how the president can use each of the following to influence domestic policy: - Executive Orders - The Media

Answer Key

Multiple Choice

  1. B
  2. B

Free Response Question

(a) 2 points

-   One point for each correct description of an enumerated power of Congress.
    -   Examples include: Power to tax, power to spend, power to regulate commerce, power to declare war, power to create laws, power to impeach, etc.

(b) 2 points

-   One point for each correct explanation of how each can limit the president’s influence.
    -   Judicial Review: The Supreme Court can declare presidential actions unconstitutional, limiting their power.
    -   The Senate: The Senate can reject presidential appointments, treaties, and legislation, limiting the president's ability to enact their agenda.

(c) 2 points

-   One point for each correct explanation of how each can influence policy.
    -   Executive Orders: Presidents can issue executive orders to direct the executive branch in implementing policy, bypassing Congress.
    -   The Media: Presidents can use the media to communicate directly with the public, garner support for their policies, and pressure Congress into action.
Previous Topic - Congressional BehaviorNext Topic - Checks on the Presidency

Question 1 of 12

When the President refuses to sign a bill, sending it back to Congress, it is known as what? 🤔

Pocket Veto

Regular Veto

Executive Order

Signing Statement