ch 4 voca Flashcards
Office Of management and budget
the executive branch office that assists the president in setting national spending priorities.
Entitlement program
a program that provides benefits for those who qualify under the law, regardless of income.
Mandatory Spending
spending required by existing laws that is “locked in” the budget.
Discretionary Spending
spending for programs and policies at the discretion of Congress and the president.
Budget Surplus
the amount of money remaining when the government takes in more money than it spends.
Budget Deficit
the difference when a government takes in less money than it spends.
National Debt
the total amount of money owed by the federal government.
Delegate Role
the idea that the main duty of a member of Congress is to carry out constituent wishes.
Trustee Role
the idea that members of Congress should act as trustees, making decisions based on their knowledge and judgment.
Politico Role
representation where members of Congress balance their choices with the interests of their constituents and parties in making decisions.
Bipartisanship
agreement between the parties to work together in Congress to pass legislation.
Gridlock
a slowdown or halt in Congress’s ability to legislate and overcome divisions, especially those based on partisanship.
Divided Government
a situation that occurs when control of the presidency and one or both chambers of Congress is split between the two major parties.
