executive branch cards

Gridlock

A situation where government is unable to pass laws because political parties or branches cannot agree

Formal Power

Powers explicitly granted to the president by the Constitution or laws

Informal Power

Powers not written in the Constitution but gained through tradition, public support, or political influence

Executive Order

A directive issued by the president that has the force of law and guides how executive agencies operate

Executive Agreement

An international agreement made by the president that does not require Senate approval

Treaty

A formal international agreement negotiated by the president and approved by a two-thirds vote of the Senate

Cabinet

The heads of the executive departments who advise the president on policy and administration

Bully pulpit

The president’s ability to use the office to influence public opinion and political agendas

State of the Union

An annual address in which the president reports on the nation’s condition and proposes policy goals

Executive Privilege

The president’s right to withhold information from Congress or courts to protect national security or confidential discussions

22nd Amendment

Limits the president to two elected terms in office

25th Amendment

Establishes procedures for presidential succession and dealing with presidential disability

Veto

The president’s power to reject a bill passed by Congress

Pocket Veto

A veto that occurs when the president does not sign a bill within 10 days and Congress adjourns, killing the bill

Line-Item Veto

The power to reject specific parts of a bill; unconstitutional for presidents

Signing Statement

A written statement by the president explaining how a law will be enforced or interpreted

Impeachment

The process by which the House charges a federal official with wrongdoing; removal requires conviction by the Senate

Pardon

An act of clemency by the president that forgives a federal crime

Lame Duck

An elected official whose term is ending and who has reduced political influence

Congressional Oversight

Congress’s power to monitor and investigate the executive branch to ensure laws are properly enforced

Bureaucracy

The system of agencies and officials that implement and administer government policies

Executive Office of the President

Agencies that assist the president in carrying out executive duties and policy-making

White House Staff

The president’s personal advisers and assistants who work directly in the White House

Executive Departments

Major federal agencies responsible for specific policy areas

Independent Regulatory Commissions

Agencies that regulate specific industries and operate independently of presidential control

Government Corporations

Agencies that provide services and operate like businesses

Office of Management and Budget

An agency that prepares the federal budget and reviews agency regulations

Discretionary Authority / Bureaucratic Discretion

The ability of bureaucrats to decide how laws are implemented

Civil Service

Government employees hired based on qualifications rather than political connections

Merit System

A system of hiring and promotion based on competence and performance

Pendleton Act

An 1883 law that established the merit system and reduced the spoils system

Iron Triangle

A stable relationship among congressional committees, bureaucratic agencies, and interest groups

Issue Network

A loose alliance of experts, interest groups, and officials focused on a specific policy issue

Appropriation

A law passed by Congress that authorizes government spending

Regulation

Rules created by executive agencies to implement and enforce laws

If you want it numbered, even shorter, or AP exam–style, just say the word