Presidential Powers and Bureaucracy

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to presidential powers and the federal bureaucracy.

Formal Power

Powers of the President explicitly granted by the Constitution (e.g., veto, Commander-in-Chief, appointments, pardons).

Informal Power

Powers claimed by the President that are not explicitly in the Constitution (e.g., executive orders, executive agreements, bully pulpit).

Executive Order

A rule or command issued by the President that has the force of law without Congressional approval; used to manage the federal government.

Veto

The President's power to reject a bill passed by Congress; Congress can override with a two-thirds vote in both houses.

Pocket Veto

An indirect veto when the President does not sign a bill within 10 days and Congress adjourns during that time.

Executive Agreement

An agreement between the U.S. President and the leader of a foreign country that does not require Senate ratification (unlike a treaty).

Treaty

A formal agreement between two or more sovereign states; negotiated by the President but requires a two-thirds vote in the Senate for ratification.

Commander-in-Chief

The President's role as the supreme commander of the U.S. armed forces.

War Powers Resolution (1973)

A law limiting the President's ability to deploy troops without a formal declaration of war or Congressional approval; a check on presidential power.

The Cabinet

The heads of the 15 executive departments; appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate to advise the President.

Federal Bureaucracy

The departments, agencies, and commissions that carry out the day-to-day functions of the federal government and enforce laws.

Discretionary Authority

The extent to which appointed bureaucrats can choose how to implement congressional laws.

Rule-Making Authority

The power of the bureaucracy to create detailed regulations that implement laws passed by Congress.

Iron Triangle

A closed, mutually beneficial relationship between a congressional committee, an interest group, and a bureaucratic agency.

Issue Network

A group of individuals (including congressional staff, interest groups, media, academics) who share expertise and political influence over a specific policy issue.

22nd Amendment

Constitutional amendment that limits the President to two four-year terms.

25th Amendment

Constitutional amendment that deals with presidential disability and the process of filling a vacancy in the office of Vice President.

Bully Pulpit

The President's use of his prestige and visibility to persuade or influence the American public and Congress.

Signing Statement

A presidential document issued when signing a bill into law that provides the President's interpretation of the law.

Formal Power

Powers of the President explicitly granted by the Constitution (e.g., veto, Commander-in-Chief, appointments, pardons).

Informal Power

Powers claimed by the President that are not explicitly in the Constitution (e.g., executive orders, executive agreements, bully pulpit).

Executive Order

A rule or command issued by the President that has the force of law without Congressional approval; used to manage the federal government.

Veto

The President's power to reject a bill passed by Congress; Congress can override with a two-thirds vote in both houses.

Pocket Veto

An indirect veto when the President does not sign a bill within 10 days and Congress adjourns during that time.

Executive Agreement

An agreement between the U.S. President and the leader of a foreign country that does not require Senate ratification (unlike a treaty).

Treaty

A formal agreement between two or more sovereign states; negotiated by the President but requires a two-thirds vote in the Senate for ratification.

Commander-in-Chief

The head of the nation's armed forces. Ex: Ordering troops into combat.

War Powers Resolution (1973)

A law limiting the President's ability to deploy troops without a formal declaration of war or Congressional approval; a check on presidential power.

The Cabinet

The heads of the 15 executive departments; appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate to advise the President.

Federal Bureaucracy

The departments, agencies, and commissions that carry out the day-to-day functions of the federal government and enforce laws.

Discretionary Authority

The extent to which appointed bureaucrats can choose how to implement congressional laws.

Rule-Making Authority

The power of the bureaucracy to create detailed regulations that implement laws passed by Congress.

Iron Triangle

A closed, mutually beneficial relationship between a congressional committee, an interest group, and a bureaucratic agency.

Issue Network

A group of individuals (including congressional staff, interest groups, media, academics) who share expertise and political influence over a specific policy issue.

22nd Amendment

Constitutional amendment that limits the President to two four-year terms.

25th Amendment

Constitutional amendment that deals with presidential disability and the process of filling a vacancy in the office of Vice President.

Bully Pulpit

The President's use of his prestige and visibility to persuade or influence the American public and Congress.

Signing Statement

A presidential document issued when signing a bill into law that provides the President's interpretation of the law.

Impeachment

The formal process by which a legislative body levels charges against a high government official (e.g., President, judges); can lead to removal from office.

Executive Privilege

The asserted right of the President to withhold information from Congress or the judiciary, often on the grounds of national security or efficient governance, though it is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution.

Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

A large office within the Executive Office of the President that prepares the President's budget proposal to Congress and oversees the implementation of federal programs.

National Security Council (NSC)

A principal forum used by the President for considering national security and foreign policy matters with his senior national security advisors and cabinet officials.

Chief of State

The ceremonial head of the government and the symbol of all American people. Ex: Lighting the National Christmas Tree.

Chief Executive

Vested with the executive power of the United States. Responsible for enforcing and administering the laws. Ex: Appointing a new Cabinet Secretary.

Economic Planner

The President is responsible for planning and proposing the national budget and monitoring the nation's economy. Ex: Proposing a tax reform bill to Congress or meeting with the Council of Economic Advisers.

Chief Diplomat

The main architect of American foreign policy and the nation
M-^Rs chief spokesperson to the rest of the world. Ex: Negotiating a treaty with a foreign nation.

Chief Legislator

The main architect of the nation
M-^Rs public policies and sets the overall congressional agenda. Ex: Delivering the State of the Union address.

Chief of Party/Chief Citizen (Informal)

The acknowledged leader of the political party that controls the executive branch/The representative of all the people, expected to work for the public interest. Ex: Campaigning for members of their political party.