gov unit 4 part 1 vocal Flashcards
advice and consent
The authority of the U.S. senate to approve or reject a resolution of ratification of any treaty to which the U.S. is a proposed signatory, as well as to evaluate and confirm Presidential nominees to positions in the federal government.
agenda setting
The way the media influences what issues the public considers important enough to address through the government.
Budget Reform and Impoundment Act of 1974
an act designed to reform the budgeting process by making Congress less dependent on the president’s budget, required the president to spend all appropriated funds, unless Congress approved the impoundment
circular v. pyramid model
Pyramid: each assistant reports through their boss up to the chief of staff. Circular: assistants report directly to the President.
Clinton v. Jones
Court ruled that the President is not immune from civil litigation and the judicial process. Furthermore, the court stated that although branches are separate the branches have the right to exercise control over one another.
diplomatic recognition
The formal acknowledgement of a foreign government as legitimate.
divided government
A situation in which one major political party controls the presidency and the other controls the chambers of Congress, or in which one party controls a state governorship and the other controls the state legislature.
electoral college
A unique American institution created by the Constitution that provides for the selection of the president by electors chosen by the state parties.
executive agreements
Agreements between the U.S. president and the leaders of other nations that do not require Senate approval.
Executive Office of the President
an organization of several agencies staffed by the President’s closest advisors.
executive orders
Regulations originating from the executive branch. Executive orders are one method presidents can use to control the bureaucracy; more often, though, presidents pass along their wishes through their aides.
executive privilege
An implied presidential power that allows the president to refuse to disclose information regarding confidential conversations or national security to Congress or the judiciary.
Gridlock
The inability of the government to act because rival parties control different parts of the government.
impeachment process
Constitutional process for removing executive officers & judges for “treason, high crimes & misdemeanors” (whatever Congress thinks is impeachable). Two stages: (1) House decides to impeach (accuse) target (simple majority); (2) Senate holds trial to convict (2/3 majority).
Impoundment
A decision by the president not to spend money appropriated by Congress, now prohibited under Federal law.
inner cabinet
The heads of the Defense, State, Treasury, and Justice departments
line-item veto
The power possessed by 42 state governors to veto only certain parts of a bill while allowing the rest of it to pass into law.
Nixon v. Fitzgerald
Presidents cannot be sued for damages related to official decisions made while in office.
presidential succession
The order in which officials fill the office of president in case of a vacancy.
The Presidential Character
Book that simplifies presidential characteristics to: active vs. passive inclinations, positive vs. negative points of view.
United States v. Nixon
The 1974 case in which the Supreme Court unanimously held that the doctrine of executive privilege was implicit in the Constitution but could not be extended to protect documents relevant to criminal prosecutions.
War Powers Resolution
A law passed in 1973 in reaction to American fighting in Vietnam and Cambodia that requires presidents to consult with Congress whenever possible prior to using military force and to withdraw forces after 60 days unless Congress declares war or grants an extension. Presidents view the resolution as unconstitutional.
White House Office
Political appointees who work directly for the president, many of whom occupy offices in the White House.
12th Amendment
added the separation of the president and vice president onto two different ballots
22nd Amendment
Passed in 1951, the amendment that limits presidents to two terms of office.
25th Amendment
Passed in 1967, this amendment permits the vice president to become acting president if both the vice president and the president’s cabinet determine that the president is disabled. The amendment also outlines how a recuperated president can reclaim the job.
Parliamentary system
A system of government in which the legislature selects the prime minister or president.
Presidential ticket
The joint listing of the presidential and vice presidential candidates on the same ballot as required by the Twelfth Amendment.
Treaty:
A formal, public agreement between the United States and one or more nations that must be approved by two-thirds of the Senate.
Congressional-executive agreement
A formal agreement between the U.S. president and the leaders of other nations that requires approval by both houses of Congress.
Veto
The constitutional power of the president to send a bill back to Congress with reasons for rejecting it. A two-thirds vote in each house can override a veto
Pocket veto
A veto taking place when Congress adjourns within ten days of having submitted a bill to the president, who simply lets it die by neither signing nor vetoing it.
Take care clause:
The constitutional requirement that presidents ensure laws are faithfully executed, even if they disagree with the purpose of those laws
Inherent powers
powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution that allows the government to take actions, which are needed to efficiently perform essential duties.
State of the Union Address:
Annual speech delivered by the president in late January or early February in fulfillment of the constitutional obligation of reporting to Congress the state of the union.
