AP Gov Unit 4 Vocab

Appointment power

The ability of the President to appoint members into his Cabinet.

Appropriation

The act of Congress allocating a specific sum of money to a government agency/program for a specific purpose.

Bully pulpit

The President’s ability to use their office to influence public opinion and advocate for their agenda.

Bureaucracy

A large complex administrative structure of non-elected officials who implement policies passed by legislative and executive.

Cabinet

A group of high-ranking officials (mostly heads of the 15 departments) who advise the President and run their department.

Chief diplomat (president)

The nation’s spokesperson and foreign policy designer; meets with foreign leaders and makes treaties/constructive agreements.

Chief executive (president)

Decides the enforcement of U.S. laws; appoints officials, issues executive orders, and is the leader of bureaucracy.

Civil service

The civilian workforce that carries out the work of the bureaucracy.

Commander-in-Chief (president)

Controls the nation’s armed forces; issues military orders and requests declarations of war.

Congressional Budget Act of 1974

Reasserted Congress’s constitutional control over the budget by establishing new procedures for controlling impoundments.

Congressional Budget Office (CBO)

Federal agency within the legislative branch that provides budget and economic information to Congress.

Continuing resolution

A joint resolution enacted by Congress to provide budget authority for federal agencies/programs to continue operating.

Debt

Money that one owes to creditors.

Deficit

When spending exceeds revenue; spending more than what is being earned.

Discretionary spending

Money in the federal budget that is negotiated over every year.

Entitlement programs

Government-sponsored programs that guarantee specific benefits to individuals who meet established eligibility requirements.

Executive agreement

Binding international agreement between President and another country that allows the president to quickly negotiate deals; no Senate approval required.

Executive branch

Enforces and carries out laws; includes the President, Vice President, and Bureaucracy.

Executive order

Official directives issued by the President that manage the operation of federal government.

Executive privilege

The power of the President to withhold certain confidential information from legislative and judicial branches.

Fiscal policy

The economy is guided through taxation and spending (mandatory, discretionary).

Fiscal year

A 12-month consecutive period used for bookkeeping and accounting.

Honeymoon period

The initial phase of a new administration; period of popularity enjoyed by the President.

Impeachment

A charge of misconduct made against a holder of public office.

Imperial presidency

Significant expansion of presidential power, particularly in foreign policy and national security.

Impoundment

When the president doesn't spend the money appropriated by Congress.

Independent agencies

Government organizations that operate outside the direct control of the executive branch.

Interest rate

Percentage charged by lenders to borrowers for the use of money.

Lame duck period

The final period of the president’s term after the election of a successor.

Line item veto

Veto power that allows governors to approve certain items within a bill, not applicable to the President.

Mandatory spending

Money in the federal budget that must be spent by law.

Monetary policy

Regulates the money supply or amount of money in circulation to avoid economic issues.

Office of Management & Budget (OMB)

Part of the Executive Office of the President; assists in creating the federal budget.

Pardon

Legal act of forgiveness granted by the President.

Patronage

Giving political favors to political supporters, usually in the form of a government/bureaucratic job.

Pocket veto

When the President vetoes a bill by taking no action in the 10-day period and Congress adjourns.

Pork barrel spending

Government spending for localized projects or to direct expenditures to a representative’s district.

Red tape

Excessive or unnecessary bureaucratic rules and procedures that slow down efficiency.

Schedule C job

Federal government position that is exempt from competitive civil service due to its confidential nature.

Sequestration

Automatic reduction in government spending triggered when Congress fails to meet budgetary goals.

Surplus

When the government’s total revenue collected through taxes exceeds total spending.

Term (president)

A 4-year term; a president can serve 2 terms as set by the 22nd amendment.

Veto

The power of the president to reject a decision or proposal made by Congress.

War Powers Resolution

Granted the president the right to send forces overseas for 60 days without Congressional authorization.

White House staff

Group of advisors and support personnel who assist the President.