APUSGovPOTUS&Bureaucracy

Policy Agenda

The president's plan for legislative priorities.

Formal Powers

Constitutionally granted powers of the president.

Informal Powers

Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution.

Veto

Presidential rejection of congressional legislation.

Pocket Veto

Presidential inaction on a bill, preventing its passage.

Commander-in-Chief

President's role as head of the military.

Treaties

Formal agreements between nations, requiring Senate approval.

Executive Agreements

Informal agreements made by the president with foreign nations.

Bargaining and Persuasion

Informal methods used by the president to influence Congress.

Executive Orders

Directives issued by the president to manage federal operations.

Signing Statements

Presidential interpretations of laws upon signing.

Senate Confirmation

Process for approving presidential appointments by the Senate.

Life-Tenured Judicial Appointments

Judicial positions held for life, impacting long-term policy.

Policy Conflicts

Disagreements between presidential and congressional agendas.

Federalist No. 70

Essay advocating for a strong, single executive.

Twenty-Second Amendment

Limits presidential terms to two elected terms.

Presidential Communication

Methods used by the president to engage with the public.

Bully Pulpit

President's platform to advocate for policies.

Federal Bureaucracy

Agencies implementing government policies and regulations.

Iron Triangles

Stable relationships among Congress, bureaucracy, and interest groups.

Issue Networks

Temporary coalitions promoting specific policy agendas.

Civil Service

Merit-based system for federal employment.

Oversight

A method used by Congress to check the power of the bureaucracy

Multiple Access Points

In America, there are multiple institutions (Congress, Presidency) and methods by which citizens can influence

Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances

The powers granted to the new State governments were purposely divided among three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. Each branch was given powers with which to check (restrain the actions of) the other branches of the government.

Legislative Veto

Congressional rejection of executive actions, not constitutionally valid.

Twenty-fith amendment

This amendment permits the vice president to become acting president if the vice president and the president's cabinet determine that the president is disabled, and it outlines how a recuperated president can reclaim the job.