What is meant by "executive privilege"?

Executive privilege refers to the President's right to withhold information from Congress or the courts in order to protect sensitive communications and decision-making processes within the executive branch. This concept is rooted in the separation of powers, which dictates that the branches of government should operate independently to maintain a balanced system. The President can invoke executive privilege to safeguard national security information, diplomatic communications, or matters involving confidential advice.

The notion of executive privilege has been acknowledged through various historical precedents, although its boundaries and applications have often been challenged in courts. This privilege is significant during situations involving Congressional inquiries or legal actions, where the President must balance the need for transparency with the need to protect the integrity of executive operations.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately represent the definition of executive privilege. Providing information to Congress does not align with the withholding aspect of executive privilege. A legal power granted by the Supreme Court does not capture the essence of executive privilege, which stems from the constitutional powers of the President. The capability to pardon federal crimes pertains solely to the President’s clemency powers and is distinctly separate from the concept of executive privilege.