Flashcards: Understanding U.S. Presidential Power — 23 cards

Executive branch — constitutional basis?

Provided by Article II of the Constitution.

Antifederalist concern — executive?

Fear of tyranny from concentrated power.

Federalist preference — single executive?

For efficiency and accountability.

Term compromise — executive?

Four-year renewable term.

Electoral College — rationale?

Prevent too much power for populous states.

Electors — equal to?

Number of representatives plus senators.

Veto power — type?

Limited veto; Congress can override with 2/3.

Treaty ratification — requirement?

2/3 of Senate concurrence.

Presidential appointment — impact?

Shapes Supreme Court and federal judiciary.

Executive orders — purpose?

Implement laws via federal agencies.

Executive orders — limits?

Courts can strike down; Congress can repeal.

Presidential pardon — function?

Releases prisoners on controversial grounds.

Pardon limitation?

Cannot pardon impeached individuals.

Impeachment — who?

House impeaches; Senate conducts trial.

Legislative influence — method?

State of the Union and public support.

Primary elections — purpose?

Choose party candidates.

Swing states — focus?

Candidates campaign heavily there.

Campaign financing — danger?

Potential corruption and undue influence.

Indirect election — reason?

Avoid giving too much power to populous states.

Congress override — requirement?

2/3 majority to overturn veto.

Treaty process — step?

President negotiates; Senate ratifies.

Supreme Court appointment — process?

Requires Senate approval.

Executive order — example?

Obama's 2015 order on undocumented immigrants.