vocab 3 Flashcards
The inability of the government to act because opposing parties control different parts of the government and cannot agree on a course of action
Gridlock
Authority given to the president that is specifically mentioned in the Constitution
Formal Power
Authority given to the president that is not specifically mentioned in the Constitution
Informal Power
A directive that carries the weight of law that is given by the president without the consent of Congress (only lasts for the presidency)
Executive Order
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 the presidents
Executive Agreement
A formal, public agreement between the United States and one or more nations that must be approved by two-thirds of the Senate
Treaty
The heads of the fifteen executive branch departments that also serve as advisors to the President
Cabinet
The president’s use of his position and visibility to guide or influence the American public
Bully Pulpit
An annual address given by the president to Congress in which the president outlines his legislative agenda
State of the Union
The president’s ability to keep certain communications private. United States v. Nixon clarified its limitations
Executive Privilege
This provision of the Constitution limits presidential terms to two, not to exceed 10 years
22nd Amendment
This provision of the Constitution states the process for presidential succession and disability
25th Amendment
The presidential power to deny a bill passed by Congress
Veto
When a bill fails to become law, because the president did not sign it within 10 days before Congress adjourned
Pocket 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
Line-Item Veto
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
Signing Statement
The constitutional process of bringing charges against a government official
Impeachment
Official forgiveness of a crime
Pardon
An official still in office after he or she has lost a bid for re-election or has reached his/her term limit
Lame duck
The authority of Congress to conduct hearings, investigations, and budget reviews regarding the actions executive branch
Congressional Oversight
A large, complex organization composed of appointed officials
Bureaucracy
The part of the executive branch that supports the president in his responsibilities, from security to trade
Executive Office of the President
Personnel who run day-to-day operations in the White House and advise the president
White House Staff
15 large agencies of the federal government that carry out laws and regulate within their respective areas. Each is headed by a secretary
Executive Departments
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
Independent Regulatory Commissions
A government agency that carries out business-like functions, such as the US Postal Service
Government Corporations
This part of the bureaucracy helps the president prepare the budget for the fiscal year
Office of Management and Budget
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
Discretionary Authority/Bureaucratic Discretion
The part of the government that fulfills the daily functions of the bureaucracy. These government workers are hired on the basis of merit
Civil Service
Procedure of hiring and promoting government employees on the basis of their abilities and competence rather than political favors
Merit System
The law that created a merit-based system for the hiring of members of the civil service
Pendleton Act
A mutually beneficial relationship between an agency, a congressional committee, and an interest group
Iron Triangle
A link of policy experts, interest groups, think tanks, congressional staff members, media pundits, etc. who regularly debate an issue
Issue Network
A legislative grant of money to finance a government program or agency
Appropriation
The use of government authority to control or change business practices in the private sector
Regulation
