AP U.S. Government Stater April 15th, 2019 Review Session #5 AP U.S. Government Stater April 15th, 2019

Required Foundational Docs for unit 4 Federalist 70 Executive branch – a single executive with “energy” to make decisions is needed More than one person in the executive would cause many problems: disagreements, failure to act quickly, weakened authority, ability to shift the blame/shirk responsibility Unlike the executive, the legislative branch is designed to be slow-moving/cautious

Presidential Powers Formal & Informal

Article II of the Constitution Created a single executive Elected for 4 year term Electoral College – process amended in 12th Amendment Term limits – 22nd Amendment 2 elected terms

Article II of the Constitution Qualifications: Natural born citizen 35 years A resident for 14 years

25th Amendment VP is president if something happens to POTUS New POTUS then nominates new VP, approved by majority of Congress Presidential disability: VP is “acting president” if POTUS is unable to perform duties (if he informs Congress OR if the VP and majority of cabinet inform Congress)

Order of Succession VP Speaker of the House President pro temp of the Senate Secretary of State, followed by other Cabinet members in order of the department’s creation

Impeachment Process Two steps: House may impeach POTUS or VP Accusation of “treason, bribery, or other high crimes & misdemeanors” Goes to trial in Senate– they judge whether or not to convict (must have 2/3 vote of Senate) & remove from office

The Electoral College System Article II & Amendment 12 Each state chooses their electors (total equal to the sum of their reps & senators in Congress) Voters vote in general election in November Electors cast ballots in December (all states but two are winner-take-all) 270 votes to win – if no one has it, House of Reps chooses from top 3 candidates

The Vice Presidency Formal qualifications same as POTUS POTUS chooses running mate to balance the presidential ticket Constitutional duties: Preside over the Senate & break ties if necessary Help determine presidential disability (25th Amendment) & take over if needed

Presidential Powers Formal: Expressed (or delegated) powers in Article II of the Constitution Informal: Developed over time from predecessors

Executive Powers of POTUS “Chief Executive” – presides over executive branch Enforce laws, treaties, court decisions Issue executive orders: Ex: Truman’s order to desegregate the military Informal power (not in Constitution) Appoint officials

Legislative Powers of POTUS Delivers annual State of the Union address to Congress Sign/veto bills Propose legislation & use persuasion to try to get it passed May call special sessions of Congress

Diplomatic Powers of POTUS Appoint ambassadors Negotiate treaties Executive agreements (international agreements without Senate approval) Informal Power Recognize foreign governments Receive foreign dignitaries

Military Powers of POTUS Commander-in-chief of armed forces Orders troops overseas but doesn’t declare war (Congress does)

Judicial Powers of POTUS Appoints federal judges & SCOTUS justices Grants reprieves, pardons & amnesty

Party Powers of POTUS Informal! Leader of party Influences party platform & policies Appoints party members to gov’t positions

Other Informal Powers of POTUS Executive privilege Bargaining and persuasion “bully pulpit” Signing statements Allows POTUS to state his interpretation of laws

Limitations on Powers of POTUS Congressional checks 2/3 of both houses to override vetoes Power of the purse Impeachment Approve appointments (Senate) Judicial review of executive actions Informal: Public opinion, media attention, approval ratings

War Powers Act Congress declares war but POTUS is commander-in-chief – creates gray areas Attempt of Congress to gain back war powers/limit the war powers of POTUS Nixon vetoed it but Congress overrode This said POTUS can send troops but must bring them back if Congress has not authorized it in 60-90 days Presidents have violated this in the past

The Bureaucracy Structure & Role

Hiring Bureaucrats Patronage (or Spoils) System Merit System Practice of giving offices & government favors to political supporters and friends Still exists to an extent with appointed positions Practice of hiring employees based on ability/skill to do the job and experience A test may be required

Important Legislation Pendleton Civil Service Act (1883) Replaced spoils system with merit system as basis for hiring and promotion Passed after assassination of Pres. Garfield Hatch Act (1939) Gov’t employees can’t engage in political activities while on duty Can’t run for office or seek political funding Some positions (like Secret Service) can’t engage in politics at all

Role of the Bureaucracy Derives some power from process of policy implementation: Congress writes laws, but agencies have to further clarify & carry out policy with rules & standard operating procedures (SOPs) They also carry out administrative duties Regulation is also a role – meant to protect the public

Types of Bureaucratic Organizations Cabinet departments: 15 – advise POTUS and operate a specific policy area Ex: State, Defense, Treasury, Justice, Transportation Independent executive agencies: Less direct presidential influence than cabinet departments Ex: NASA, CIA

Types of Bureaucratic Organizations Government corporations: Carry out business-like activities & usually charge for services Ex: US Postal Service; AMTRAK Independent regulatory agencies: Similar to independent executive agencies but their primary purpose is to regulate a specific area Ex: Federal Reserve Board, Federal Communications Commission

Executive Office of the President (EOP) Closest advisors to POTUS Appointments don’t need congressional approval A few major agencies within the EOP: White House Office (chief of staff, press secretary, & other staff members) National Security Council Office of Management & Budget Council of Economic Advisors

Executive & Legislative Influence POTUS can make appointments, issue executive orders, and try to push budget initiatives or reorganization Congress can confirm/reject appointments, authorize & appropriate funds to agencies, and rewrite legislation

Subgovernments & Public Influence Iron Triangles Issue Networks “Subgovernments” An mutually-beneficial alliance between a bureaucratic agency, a congressional committee/subcommittee, & an interest group Ex: NRA, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, & Firearms, House Armed Services Committee Less rigid & influential than an iron triangle Individuals within interest groups, universities, the media, etc. who discuss and advocate public policy pertaining to a given issue