us gov

Executive agreement

An agreement between the president and another country that does not require Senate approval.

Treaty

A formal agreement with another country that requires approval by two-thirds of the Senate.

Bureaucracy

Government agencies, workers, and procedures that carry out laws.

Reprieve

A temporary postponement of a criminal punishment.

Commutation

A reduction in the severity or length of a criminal sentence.

Red tape

Complicated government rules, paperwork, and administrative procedures.

Diplomatic recognition

Officially acknowledging another nation or government.

Cabinet

Presidential advisers who lead executive departments.

Government corporation

A government-owned organization that provides services to the public, such as Amtrak.

Impeachment

A formal accusation against a federal official made by the House of Representatives.

War Powers Resolution

A law that limits and sets reporting requirements for presidential military deployments.

25th Amendment

Establishes rules for presidential inability, succession, and vice-presidential vacancies.

Cabinet department

A major executive department led by a secretary who advises the president.

Independent agency

A government agency that operates outside the major Cabinet departments.

Regulatory commission

A government organization that creates and enforces rules for certain industries.

Judicial review

The power of courts to declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional.

Judicial independence

Allows judges to make decisions without political pressure.

Speaker of the House

A leader chosen by members of the House of Representatives.

Senate treaty approval

Two-thirds of senators must approve a treaty.

Recognition

Officially acknowledging a newly established foreign government.

Treasury Department

Handles federal finances and financial policies.

State Department

Handles foreign relations and U.S. diplomacy.

Department of Defense

Responsible for the U.S. military and national defense.

Department of Justice

Enforces federal laws and oversees federal law enforcement.

Impeachment process

The House brings charges, and the Senate holds a trial.

Senate conviction vote

Two-thirds of senators present must vote to convict and remove an official.

House of Representatives

Investigates and votes on articles of impeachment.

Senate

Holds impeachment trials and votes on conviction.

48 hours

The time limit for the president to notify Congress after introducing troops into hostilities under the War Powers Resolution.

60 days

The general time limit for military involvement before troops must be withdrawn unless Congress authorizes the action.

Vice-presidential vacancy

The president nominates a new vice president, who must be approved by a majority of both the House and Senate.

Commander in Chief

The president’s role as leader of the U.S. military.

Clemency

The president’s power to show mercy to someone convicted of a federal crime.

Veto

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

Amtrak

An example of a government corporation.