Unit 2: Executive Branch Study Guide

Vocabulary flashcards covering the Executive Branch study guide, including the Cabinet, federalism, state executives, the Electoral College, regulatory agencies, primary elections, and U.S. v. Nixon.

President's Cabinet

A group of department leaders (such as education, defense, or health) who advise the President, help make important decisions, and help carry out government laws and policies.

Senate Confirmation

The constitutional check in which the Senate votes to confirm or reject Cabinet members chosen by the President.

Governor

The executive leader of a state who enforces state law, proposes the state budget, and serves as the main leader in responding to state crises.

State of Emergency

A formal declaration by a governor during a crisis that grants special powers to use executive orders and mobilize the National Guard to protect citizens and provide aid quickly.

Electoral College

The system used in the United States to choose the President, where voters cast ballots for electors and each state receives a number of electoral votes based on its population.

Swing States

States whose election outcomes are hard to predict and can go either way (such as Pennsylvania, Michigan, Georgia, Arizona, and Wisconsin), often receiving the most attention during presidential campaigns.

Winner-Takes-All System

An election rule where a state awards all of its electoral votes to one candidate, which tends to favor the two major parties and makes it difficult for third parties to win national elections.

FDA (Food and Drug Administration)

A regulatory agency responsible for consumer safety by making sure foods and drugs are up to date and safe to consume.

EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)

A regulatory agency responsible for checking environmental quality, such as ensuring water supplies are safe.

Primary Election

An election held to choose which candidate will represent a political party in running for president.

Open Primary

A primary election open to voters of any political party.

Closed Primary

A primary election in which only registered members of a specific political party can vote for their party's candidates.

U.S. v. Nixon

The Supreme Court case that ruled to place limits on executive privilege.

Executive Privilege

The ability of presidents to keep certain conversations, information, or communications secret, which was limited by the Supreme Court in U.S. v. Nixon.