Executive Branch Key Terms Flashcards
the top elected official in charge of enforcing laws and carrying out government policy
Chief Executive
a second election to determine a clear winner, following a first election in which no candidate received a majority of the votes
Runoff Election
the order of successors to the presidency if the president is unable to serve as specified in the Constitution and federal law
Line of Succession
the heads of the executive departments of the federal government
Cabinet
a postponement of punishment for a crime
Reprieve
a decree that frees a person from punishment for a crime
Pardons
a general pardon usually granted to a group of people
Amnestry
in 1791, Congress passed a law that taxed sales of whiskey. Farmers in western Pennsylvania who made whiskey refused to pay the tax and even attacked federal tax collectors. Washington personally led 13,000 militia troops into western Pennsylvania to put down the rebellion. In this way, he affirmed the power of the president as the nation’s chief law enforcer and commander in chief.
Whiskey Rebellion
critics of Jackson’s use of his presidential power resulted in this nickname
“King Andrew”
military rule established over a civilian population during a time of emergency
Martial Law
an executive order issued on January 1, 1863, by President Lincoln freeing slaves in all portions of the United States not then under Union control (that is, within the Confederacy)
Emancipation Proclamation
a rule or regulation issued by a president or governor that has the force of law
Executive Order
Roosevelt used the presidency as a platform from which to speak out on important public issues
“Bully Pulpit”
reforms by FDR that expanded the role of the president; FDR presented Congress with 15 major bills. Congress passed them all.
New Deal
FDR’s way of addressing the nation with radio broadcasts in a warm manner
“Fireside Chats”
presidents acting more like emperors than constitutional leaders
“Imperial Presidency”
a large, complex organization that functions under uniform rules and procedures
Bureaucracy
Ceremonial Leader of government; represents US at official functions, both at home and abroad
Chief of State
responsible for operations of the US military and the overall security of the nation
Commander in Chief
oversees US foreign policy, holds talks with foreign leaders and negotiates treaties
Chief Diplomat
Sets a policy agenda for Congress in annual State of Union address
Chief Policymaker
Works with congress to write a federal budget and set a tax policy; Appoints members of Federal Reserve Board
Chief Manager of the Economy
Leader of political party
Chief of Party
Embodies American ideals and serves the nation by acting in its best interests; Comforts american people in times of crisis
Chief Citizen
the automatic killing of a bill by refusing to either sign it or veto it; this can occur only in the final days of a congressional session
Pocket Veto
the head of the White House staff
Chief of Staff
provides support staff to the president
Executive Office of the President
the president, along with his or her personal staff and advisers; also, a president’s time in office
Administration
an organization within the executive branch that carries out the work of government in a broad area of public policy, such as agriculture or labor
Executive Departments
an organization within the executive branch that does not belong to any executive department and answers directly to the president
Independent Agencies
a civilian employee who works in a government agency
Civil Servants
an employee or former employee who exposes wrongdoing within an organization in the hope of stopping it
Whistle-blowers
the practice of contracting private companies to do jobs once done by civil servants
Privitization
