Executive Flashcards
What is administrative (bureaucratic) discretion?
The ability of bureaucrats to make choices concerning the best way to implement policies.
What is the Chevron doctrine?
A principle that courts should defer to agency interpretations of statutes that they administer.
What is the civil service system?
A system that employs individuals based on merit and qualifications rather than political connections.
What is an executive order?
A directive issued by the President to manage the operations of the federal government.
What is the Federal Register?
The official journal of the federal government that contains government agency rules, proposed rules, and public notices.
What is the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)?
A law that gives the public the right to request access to records from any federal agency.
What are government corporations?
Government agencies that operate like businesses to provide services and generate revenue.
What is the Hatch Act?
A federal law that restricts political activities of federal employees.
What is implementation?
The process of putting a law or policy into effect.
What are independent executive agencies?
Agencies that exist outside of the federal executive departments and are not part of the Cabinet.
What are independent regulatory agencies?
Agencies created by Congress to regulate specific areas of the economy and enforce laws.
What are iron triangles?
The stable, mutually beneficial relationships between bureaucratic agencies, interest groups, and congressional committees.
What are issue networks?
Coalitions of various interest groups and individuals who unite to promote a specific policy.
What is the merit system?
A system of hiring and promotion based on qualifications and performance.
What is the patronage system?
A system where government jobs are given to individuals based on political connections.
What is the Pendleton Act?
A law that established the principle of federal employment on the basis of merit.
What are regulations?
Rules made by executive agencies to enforce laws passed by Congress.
What is rulemaking?
The process by which administrative agencies create regulations.
What is the spoils system?
The practice of giving government jobs to political supporters and friends.
What is the Whistleblower Protection Act?
A law designed to protect federal whistleblowers who report misconduct.
What is the 22nd Amendment?
An amendment that limits the President to two terms in office.
What is the 25th Amendment?
An amendment that outlines the procedures for presidential succession and disability.
What is a budget?
A financial plan that outlines expected revenues and expenditures for a specific period.
What is a cabinet?
A group of the President’s top advisors, typically the heads of the executive departments.
What is the Executive Office of the President (EOP)?
A group of agencies that support the President in carrying out his duties.
What are executive orders?
Directives issued by the President to manage the operations of the federal government.
What is executive privilege?
The right of the President to keep certain communications private.
What is impeachment?
The process by which a legislative body levels charges against a government official.
What are inherent powers?
Powers that are not explicitly stated in the Constitution but are necessary for the government to function.
What is a line-item veto?
The power of an executive to veto specific provisions of a bill.
What was the New Deal?
A series of programs and policies designed to promote economic recovery during the Great Depression.
What is the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)?
An office that assists the President in preparing the federal budget and overseeing its implementation.
What is a pardon?
An act of forgiveness for a crime, typically granted by the President.
What is the power of persuasion?
The ability of the President to convince others to support his policies.
What are signing statements?
Written comments issued by the President when signing a bill into law.
What is U.S. v. Nixon?
A landmark Supreme Court case that limited the power of the President to claim executive privilege.
What is veto power?
The authority of the President to reject a bill passed by Congress.
What is the cabinet’s role in foreign policy?
Advising the President on foreign affairs and national security.
What does Commander in Chief refer to?
The role of the President as the head of the armed forces.
What are executive agreements?
International agreements made by the President without the need for Senate approval.
What are formal powers?
Powers explicitly granted to the President by the Constitution.
What are implied (informal) powers?
Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but necessary for the President to fulfill his duties.
What are inherent powers in foreign policy?
Powers that allow the President to act in matters of foreign affairs without explicit Congressional approval.
What is a treaty?
A formal agreement between two or more sovereign states, requiring Senate approval.
What is the War Powers Resolution?
A law intended to check the President’s power to commit the U.S. to armed conflict without Congressional consent.
