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Impeachment

The constitutional process by which the House of Representatives formally accuses a federal official of misconduct, with the Senate holding a trial to determine removal from office.

Inherent powers

Powers claimed by the president that are not explicitly stated in the Constitution but are inferred from it.

Stewardship theory

The idea that the president may take any action not specifically prohibited by the Constitution or laws.

State of the Union

An annual address given by the president to Congress outlining national conditions and legislative priorities.

22nd and 25th Amendments

Amendments that limit presidents to two terms and establish procedures for presidential succession and disability.

Lame duck period

The time between an election and when newly elected officials take office, when outgoing officials have reduced influence.

Bully Pulpit

The president’s ability to use the office to influence public opinion and set the political agenda.

Veto power

The president’s constitutional authority to reject legislation passed by Congress.

Pocket veto

An indirect veto that occurs when the president takes no action on a bill and Congress adjourns within ten days.

Line item veto

The power to reject specific provisions of a bill without vetoing the entire bill.

Line Item Veto Act of 1996

A law granting the president line-item veto power that was later ruled unconstitutional.

Clinton v. City of New York (1998)

A Supreme Court case that declared the Line Item Veto Act unconstitutional.

Commander in Chief

The president’s role as the head of the U.S. armed forces.

War Powers Act of 1973

A law limiting the president’s ability to deploy troops without congressional approval.

Treaty

A formal agreement between the United States and another country that must be ratified by the Senate.

Executive agreements

International agreements made by the president without Senate approval.

Executive orders

Rules or directives issued by the president that have the force of law.

Signing statements

Written comments issued by the president when signing a bill into law that explain how it will be interpreted or enforced.

Executive privilege

The president’s right to withhold information from Congress or the courts to protect confidential communications.

U.S. v. Nixon (1974)

A Supreme Court case that limited executive privilege and required President Nixon to release tapes.

Pardon

The president’s power to forgive a federal crime or reduce a sentence.

Take-care clause

A constitutional clause requiring the president to ensure that laws are faithfully executed.

Balancing the ticket (VP)

The strategy of selecting a vice-presidential candidate to attract broader voter support.

Cabinet Secretaries

The heads of executive departments who advise the president.

Executive Office of the President

A group of agencies that assist the president in carrying out executive duties.

White House Staff (Chief of Staff)

The president’s closest advisors who manage daily operations and access to the president.

Bureaucracy

The system of agencies and departments that carry out government policies and programs.

Cabinet Departments

Major executive agencies responsible for specific areas of public policy.

Independent agencies

Federal agencies not controlled by a cabinet department that perform specialized functions.

Independent regulatory commissions

Agencies that regulate specific industries and are insulated from direct presidential control.

Government corporations

Agencies that provide services to the public while operating like private businesses.

Discretionary authority (administrative discretion)

The power of bureaucrats to decide how laws are implemented.

Rule-making

The process by which bureaucratic agencies create regulations to carry out laws.

Compliance monitoring

The process of ensuring that individuals and organizations follow laws and regulations.

Iron triangles

Stable relationships among congressional committees, bureaucratic agencies, and interest groups.

Patronage

The practice of rewarding political supporters with government jobs.

Spoils system

A system in which political supporters are given government jobs after an election victory.

Merit system

A system of hiring and promotion based on qualifications and performance.

Pendleton Act (1883)

A law that established the merit system and reduced patronage.

Hatch Act (1939)

A law that limits political activities of federal employees.

Oversight (as it relates to the bureaucracy)

Congress’s power to monitor and supervise bureaucratic agencies.

Legislative veto

A mechanism that allowed Congress to overturn executive actions, later ruled unconstitutional.

Discretionary spending

Government spending that must be approved each year through appropriations.

Mandatory spending

Government spending required by law, such as entitlement programs.

Entitlement programs

Government programs that provide benefits to individuals who meet eligibility requirements.

Indexing

The practice of adjusting benefits or taxes to account for inflation.

COLAs

Cost-of-living adjustments that increase benefits to keep up with inflation.