Executive

Question 1

What is administrative (bureaucratic) discretion?

Answer 1

The ability of bureaucrats to make choices concerning the best way to implement policies.

Question 2

What is the Chevron doctrine?

Answer 2

A principle that courts should defer to agency interpretations of statutes that they administer.

Question 3

What is the civil service system?

Answer 3

A system that employs individuals based on merit and qualifications rather than political connections.

Question 4

What is an executive order?

Answer 4

A directive issued by the President to manage the operations of the federal government.

Question 5

What is the Federal Register?

Answer 5

The official journal of the federal government that contains government agency rules, proposed rules, and public notices.

Question 6

What is the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)?

Answer 6

A law that gives the public the right to request access to records from any federal agency.

Question 7

What are government corporations?

Answer 7

Government agencies that operate like businesses to provide services and generate revenue.

Question 8

What is the Hatch Act?

Answer 8

A federal law that restricts political activities of federal employees.

Question 9

What is implementation?

Answer 9

The process of putting a law or policy into effect.

Question 10

What are independent executive agencies?

Answer 10

Agencies that exist outside of the federal executive departments and are not part of the Cabinet.

Question 11

What are independent regulatory agencies?

Answer 11

Agencies created by Congress to regulate specific areas of the economy and enforce laws.

Question 12

What are iron triangles?

Answer 12

The stable, mutually beneficial relationships between bureaucratic agencies, interest groups, and congressional committees.

Question 13

What are issue networks?

Answer 13

Coalitions of various interest groups and individuals who unite to promote a specific policy.

Question 14

What is the merit system?

Answer 14

A system of hiring and promotion based on qualifications and performance.

Question 15

What is the patronage system?

Answer 15

A system where government jobs are given to individuals based on political connections.

Question 16

What is the Pendleton Act?

Answer 16

A law that established the principle of federal employment on the basis of merit.

Question 17

What are regulations?

Answer 17

Rules made by executive agencies to enforce laws passed by Congress.

Question 18

What is rulemaking?

Answer 18

The process by which administrative agencies create regulations.

Question 19

What is the spoils system?

Answer 19

The practice of giving government jobs to political supporters and friends.

Question 20

What is the Whistleblower Protection Act?

Answer 20

A law designed to protect federal whistleblowers who report misconduct.

Question 21

What is the 22nd Amendment?

Answer 21

An amendment that limits the President to two terms in office.

Question 22

What is the 25th Amendment?

Answer 22

An amendment that outlines the procedures for presidential succession and disability.

Question 23

What is a budget?

Answer 23

A financial plan that outlines expected revenues and expenditures for a specific period.

Question 24

What is a cabinet?

Answer 24

A group of the President’s top advisors, typically the heads of the executive departments.

Question 25

What is the Executive Office of the President (EOP)?

Answer 25

A group of agencies that support the President in carrying out his duties.

Question 26

What are executive orders?

Answer 26

Directives issued by the President to manage the operations of the federal government.

Question 27

What is executive privilege?

Answer 27

The right of the President to keep certain communications private.

Question 28

What is impeachment?

Answer 28

The process by which a legislative body levels charges against a government official.

Question 29

What are inherent powers?

Answer 29

Powers that are not explicitly stated in the Constitution but are necessary for the government to function.

Question 30

What is a line-item veto?

Answer 30

The power of an executive to veto specific provisions of a bill.

Question 31

What was the New Deal?

Answer 31

A series of programs and policies designed to promote economic recovery during the Great Depression.

Question 32

What is the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)?

Answer 32

An office that assists the President in preparing the federal budget and overseeing its implementation.

Question 33

What is a pardon?

Answer 33

An act of forgiveness for a crime, typically granted by the President.

Question 34

What is the power of persuasion?

Answer 34

The ability of the President to convince others to support his policies.

Question 35

What are signing statements?

Answer 35

Written comments issued by the President when signing a bill into law.

Question 36

What is U.S. v. Nixon?

Answer 36

A landmark Supreme Court case that limited the power of the President to claim executive privilege.

Question 37

What is veto power?

Answer 37

The authority of the President to reject a bill passed by Congress.

Question 38

What is the cabinet's role in foreign policy?

Answer 38

Advising the President on foreign affairs and national security.

Question 39

What does Commander in Chief refer to?

Answer 39

The role of the President as the head of the armed forces.

Question 40

What are executive agreements?

Answer 40

International agreements made by the President without the need for Senate approval.

Question 41

What are formal powers?

Answer 41

Powers explicitly granted to the President by the Constitution.

Question 42

What are implied (informal) powers?

Answer 42

Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but necessary for the President to fulfill his duties.

Question 43

What are inherent powers in foreign policy?

Answer 43

Powers that allow the President to act in matters of foreign affairs without explicit Congressional approval.

Question 44

What is a treaty?

Answer 44

A formal agreement between two or more sovereign states, requiring Senate approval.

Question 45

What is the War Powers Resolution?

Answer 45

A law intended to check the President's power to commit the U.S. to armed conflict without Congressional consent.