Presidency

Definition

The presidency is the executive branch office established by Article II of the U.S. Constitution. The president serves as head of state, commander-in-chief of the armed forces, and chief executive responsible for enforcing federal laws.

Examples

  • George Washington set the precedent of serving only two terms, later codified by the 22nd Amendment
  • Abraham Lincoln expanded presidential power during the Civil War by suspending habeas corpus
  • Franklin D. Roosevelt used executive action extensively during the Great Depression and WWII
Key Fact

The president is elected to a 4-year term and limited to two terms by the 22nd Amendment (1951).

Related Terms

Presidential powers Checks and balances Executive agencies Cabinet departments

Study This Concept

Practice presidency with free review games in these units:

AP U.S. Government and Politics Unit 2: Interactions Among Branches