Final answer:
Executive privilege allows the president to keep certain communications confidential, especially in matters of national security. Although not detailed in the Constitution, it has been limited by significant court rulings, such as United States v. Nixon and the Pentagon Papers case.
Step-by-step explanation:
The power to keep executive communications confidential, particularly in matters related to national security, is known as executive privilege. Although not enumerated in the Constitution, executive privilege was first claimed by George Washington and has been recognized since then.
This privilege allows the president to withhold information from the public, Congress, and the courts. It is a contentious power, especially when it appears to clash with legal proceedings or congressional inquiries. The landmark case of United States v. Nixon significantly limited executive privilege, indicating that it cannot be used to obstruct justice.
The Supreme Court has ruled in various instances, such as the Pentagon Papers case, that while there are exceptions for national security, the government's power to prevent the release of information is very limited and often does not supersede the First Amendment's protections.