Chapter 12: The Presidency Flashcards
State of the Union
Annual report to the nation by the president, now delivered before a joint session of Congress, on the state of the nation and his legislative proposals for addressing national problems.
executive order
A rule of regulation issued by the president that has force of law, based either on the constitutional powers of the presidency as chief executive or commander.
unitary executive
Constitutional doctrine that poses that the executive branch is under the direct control of the president, who has all authority necessary to control the actions.
treaty
A formal international agreement between two or more countries; in the United States, requires “advice and consent” of the Senate.
executive agreement
An agreement with another country signed by the president that has the force of law, like a treaty; does not require Senate approval; originally used for minor technical matters, now an important tool of presidential power in foreign affairs.
institutional presidency
The permanent bureaucracy associated with the presidency, designed to help the incumbent of the office carry out his responsibilities.
chief of staff
A top advisor to the president who also manages the White House staff.
national security advisor
A top foreign policy and defense advisor to the president who heads the National Security Council.
Executive Office of the President (EOP)
A group of organizations that advise the president on a wide range of issues; includes, among others, the Office of Management and Budget, the National Security Council, and the Council of Economic Advisors.
Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
An organization within the Executive Office of the President that advises on the federal budget, domestic legislation, and regulations.
Council of Economic Advisers (CEA)
An organization in the Executive Office of the President made up of a small group of economists who advise on economic policy.
National Security Council (NSC)
An organization in the Executive Office of the President made up of officials from the State and Defense Departments, the CIA, and the military, who advise of foreign and security affairs.
Intelligence Advisory Board
An organization in the Executive Office of the President that provides information and assessments to the president’s director of national intelligence and to the president directly.
divided government
Control of the executive and the legislative branches by different political parties.
presidential job approval
The percentage of Americans who believe the president is doing a good job.
