Introduction
The presidency is one of the most tested topics on the AP U.S. Government and Politics (AP Gov) exam. From the formal powers in Article II of the Constitution to the informal powers developed over time, understanding the president’s role is critical to success on FRQs and multiple-choice questions.
In this review, we’ll break down the constitutional powers of the president, examine checks and balances, highlight historical examples, and show how to study efficiently with RevisionDojo.
Formal Powers of the President
The Constitution outlines specific powers in Article II. These are the formal powers every AP Gov student must know:
- Commander-in-Chief: Directs the military, though Congress declares war.
- Chief Executive: Executes laws, oversees the federal bureaucracy, appoints officials.
- Treaty Power: Can negotiate treaties, but the Senate must ratify them.
- Appointments: Nominates judges, ambassadors, and cabinet members (Senate confirmation required).
- Veto Power: Can reject congressional legislation (Congress can override with a 2/3 vote).
- Pardon Power: Can pardon individuals for federal crimes.
These powers show how the president interacts with other branches, and they often appear on AP Gov free-response questions.
Informal Powers of the President
Beyond the Constitution, presidents have developed informal powers over time. These are equally important for the exam:
- Executive Orders: Directives that carry the force of law without congressional approval.
- Executive Agreements: International agreements that don’t require Senate ratification.
- Bargaining and Persuasion: Using influence to sway Congress and the public.
- Bully Pulpit: Leveraging media to shape public opinion and set the agenda.
Example: Franklin D. Roosevelt’s fireside chats and Ronald Reagan’s use of TV speeches are classic examples of the bully pulpit.
Checks on Presidential Power
The U.S. system is built on separation of powers, and the president faces important checks:
- Congress: Can override vetoes, confirm or reject appointments, control funding, and impeach.
- Judiciary: Can rule presidential actions unconstitutional (e.g., U.S. v. Nixon).
- Public Opinion & Media: Can limit the president’s ability to lead effectively.
AP Gov FRQs often ask students to explain how checks and balances restrict the president.
Historical Examples for Essays
To impress AP readers, use historical context:
- George Washington: Established precedent of neutrality in foreign policy.
- Abraham Lincoln: Expanded executive power during the Civil War.
- Franklin D. Roosevelt: Greatly increased federal power with New Deal policies.
- Richard Nixon: Watergate scandal highlighted checks on presidential abuse of power.
- Barack Obama: Used executive orders on immigration (DACA) when Congress resisted.
RevisionDojo provides summary sheets of presidential case studies to help you memorize these efficiently.
Common AP Gov Exam Questions About the President
Expect questions like:
- “Explain how the president’s informal powers give him influence over policymaking.”
- “Describe one way Congress checks presidential power.”
- “Explain how the president uses the bully pulpit.”
By practicing these with RevisionDojo FRQs, you’ll learn how to answer with precision.
How to Study the Presidency Effectively
Instead of memorizing random facts, organize your notes into:
- Formal Powers
- Informal Powers
- Checks on Power
- Historical Examples
RevisionDojo’s executive branch outlines already do this for you, making study sessions more efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the difference between a treaty and an executive agreement?
A: A treaty requires Senate ratification; an executive agreement does not.
Q: Can the president declare war?
A: No. The president can send troops as Commander-in-Chief, but only Congress can formally declare war.
Q: Do executive orders require congressional approval?
A: No. They bypass Congress, but they can be challenged in court.
Q: What is the most tested informal power on the AP exam?
A: The bully pulpit, because it connects to media, public opinion, and policy influence.
Final Thoughts
The role of the president is central to understanding U.S. government and politics. By mastering both formal and informal powers, recognizing checks and balances, and using historical context, you’ll be ready for any AP Gov exam question on the presidency.
With RevisionDojo’s clear guides and targeted FRQ practice, you’ll gain the confidence to write high-scoring essays and earn a 5 on the exam.
