AP Review Video #17: Presidential Amendments, Articles and Cases

Summary

In this informative session, key aspects of the U.S. presidency are discussed, including insights from Federalist Paper No. 70, the significance of Articles I and II of the Constitution, and the court case U.S. v. Nixon, which establishes the concept of executive privilege. The speaker also outlines three crucial amendments: the 12th Amendment, which revised the electoral college process; the 22nd Amendment, which limits presidents to two terms; and the 25th Amendment, which clarifies presidential succession and the process for filling vice presidential vacancies. This overview provides essential knowledge for understanding the executive branch's structure and function.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Federalist Paper No. 70 discusses the importance of a strong executive leadership in the presidency.
• 📜 Article I of the Constitution establishes the legislature, while Article II focuses on the presidency and contains an undiluted vesting clause granting all executive power to the president.
• ⚖️ The Supreme Court case U.S. v. Nixon affirmed the concept of executive privilege, indicating that the president has a zone of privacy, especially concerning national security.
• 🗳️ The 12th Amendment reformed the electoral college process, requiring electors to cast separate votes for president and vice president to address issues from the election of 1800.
• 📅 The 22nd Amendment limits presidents to two terms in office to prevent any future president from serving more than eight years, although it allows for a total of ten years under specific circumstances.
• 🔄 The 25th Amendment clarifies presidential succession, stating that if the president dies, is incapacitated, or resigns, the vice president automatically assumes the presidency.
• 🤝 The 25th Amendment also allows the president to nominate a new vice president in case of vacancy, pending confirmation by Congress.
• 🚨 The 25th Amendment includes provisions for the removal of a president if deemed incapacitated by the vice president and a majority of the cabinet.
• 🗳️ The discussion highlights the evolution of presidential powers and the constitutional amendments that shape the presidency in the U.S.
• 🔍 Overall, understanding these elements is crucial for grasping the responsibilities and limitations of the presidential office.

Q & A

What is Federalist Paper No. 70 primarily about?

Federalist Paper No. 70 discusses the necessity of having a strong and decisive executive leader in the presidency.

How does Article I of the Constitution differ from Article II?

Article I establishes the legislative branch, stating that all legislative powers belong to Congress, while Article II grants all executive power to the president, indicating an undiluted vesting clause.

What does the U.S. v. Nixon court case signify regarding executive privilege?

The U.S. v. Nixon case confirms that executive privilege exists but is limited, particularly in matters concerning national security, which ultimately led Nixon to release the tapes.

What changes did the 12th Amendment introduce to the electoral college?

The 12th Amendment changed the electoral college process by requiring electors to cast separate votes for president and vice president to avoid conflicts that arose in the 1800 election.

What is the significance of the 22nd Amendment?

The 22nd Amendment limits presidents to two elected terms, and it allows a maximum of 10 years in office if a president assumes the role mid-term due to succession.

What does the 25th Amendment outline regarding presidential succession?

The 25th Amendment states that if the president dies or becomes incapacitated, the vice president assumes the presidency, and it provides procedures for filling a vice presidential vacancy.

What historical event prompted the creation of the 12th Amendment?

The 12th Amendment was prompted by the election of 1800, where political party conflicts led to the potential for ties in the electoral college.

Can a president serve more than two terms under the 22nd Amendment?

No, the 22nd Amendment restricts a president to two elected terms, although a president can serve a total of 10 years if they assume office mid-term.

What role does the vice president play in the 25th Amendment?

Under the 25th Amendment, the vice president becomes the acting president if the sitting president is incapacitated, and the vice president can also help remove the president with the cabinet's majority support.

Why is the vesting clause in Article II considered significant?

The vesting clause in Article II is significant because it clearly establishes that all executive power is concentrated in the presidency, contrasting with the legislative powers distributed among Congress.