Executive Branch Vocab (Unit 2B) Flashcards
Gridlock
The inability of the government to act because opposing parties control different parts of the government and cannot agree on a course of action
Formal Power
Authority given to the president that is specifically mentioned in the constitution
Informal Power
Authority given to the president that is not specifically mentioned in the constitution
Executive Order
A directive that carries the weight of law that is given by the president without the consent of Congress
Executive Agreement
A pact between the president and the head of a foreign nation. Unlike treaties, they do not require Senate consent and may only last for the duration of a president’s term
Treaty
A formal, public agreement between the United States and one or more nations that must be approved by two-thirds of the Senate
Cabinet
The heads of the fifteen executive branch departments that also serve as advisors to the president
Bully Pulpit
The president’s use of his position and visibility to guide or influence the American public
State of the Union
An annual address given by the president to Congress in which the president outlines his legislative agenda
Executive Privilege
The president’s ability to keep certain communications private. United States v. Nixon clarified its limitations
22nd Amendment
This provision of the constitution limits presidential terms to two, not to exceed 10 years.
25th Amendment
This provision of the constitution states the process for presidential succession and disability
Veto
The presidential power to deny a bill passed by congress.
Pocket Veto
When a bill fails to become law because the president did not sign it
within 10 days before Congress adjourned
Line-Item Veto
The power to cancel specific dollar amounts within a bill. While the Supreme Court has ruled presidents may not use these, state governors still can
Signing statement
Issued by the president after passing a bill into law; reveals what the president thinks of a new law and how it ought to be enforced
Impeachment
The constitutional process of bringing charges against a government official
Pardon
Official forgiveness of a crime
Lame duck
An official still in office after he or she has lost a bid for re-election or has reached his/her term limit
Congressional Oversight
The authority of Congress to conduct hearings, investigations, and budget reviews regarding the actions of the executive branch
Bureaucracy
A large, complex organization composed of appointed officials
Executive Office of the President
The part of the executive branch that supports the president in his responsibilities, from security to trade
White House Staff
Personnel who run day-to-day operations in the White House and advise the president
Executive Departments
15 large agencies of the federal government that carry out laws and regulate within their respective areas. Each is headed by a secretary.
Independent Regulatory Commisions
Agencies that are responsible for monitoring large government sectors, such as the Federal Reserve, and are not subject to control by either Congress or the President
Government Corporations
A government agency that carries out business-like functions, such as the US Postal Service
Office of Management and Budget
This part of the bureaucracy helps the president prepare the budget for the fiscal year
Discretionary Authority/Bureaucratic Discretion
The extent to which appointed bureaucrats can choose courses of action and make policies that are not spelled out in advance by the laws of Congress
Civil Service
The part of the government that fulfills the daily functions of the bureaucracy. These government workers are hired on the basis of merit.
Merit System
Procedure of hiring and promoting government employees on the basis of their abilities and competence rather than political favors
Pendleton Act
The law that created a merit-based system for the hiring of members of the civil service
Iron Triangle
A mutually beneficial relationship between an agency, a congressional committee, and an interest group
Issue Network
A link of policy experts, interest groups, think tanks, congressional staff members, media pundits, etc. who regularly debate an issue
Appropriation
A legislative grant of money to finance a government program or
agency
Regulation
The use of government authority to control or change business
practices in the private sector
