Government Powers and Structures

Gridlock

Government inaction due to opposing parties' disagreement.

Formal Power

President's authority specified in the Constitution.

Informal Power

President's authority not in the Constitution.

Executive Order

Presidential directive with the force of law.

Executive Agreement

President's pact with a foreign leader.
Unlike treaties, they do not require Senate consent and may only last for the duration of a president's term.

Treaty

Official agreement between the US and other nations.
must be approved by two-thirds of the Senate

Cabinet

Heads of executive departments advising the president.
15 positions

Bully Pulpit

President's use of his position and visibility to influence the public.

State of the Union

President's annual address to Congress on legislative plans.

Executive Privilege

President's right to keep certain communications private.

22nd Amendment

Limits presidents to two terms or 10 years.

25th Amendment

Defines presidential succession and disability process. Vice president takes over president.

Veto

Presidential rejection of a passed bill.

Pocket Veto

Bill fails if president doesn't sign within 10 days of adjournment.

Line-Item Veto

President's power to cancel specific amounts in a bill. Supreme Court ruled presidents may not use these, state governors can.

Signing Statement

President's post-bill passage statement on law enforcement. Presidents thoughts and how it should be enforced.

Impeachment

Constitutional process of charging a government official.

Pardon

Official forgiveness of a crime by the president.

Lame Duck

Official in office after losing re-election or term limit.

Congressional Oversight

Congress's authority to review executive actions.

Bureaucracy

Complex organization of appointed officials.

Executive Office of the President

Supports president's responsibilities from security to trade.

White House Staff

Personnel managing White House operations and advising.

Executive Departments

15 federal agencies enforcing laws in specific areas. Each headed by secretaries.

Independent Regulatory Commissions

Agencies monitoring large sectors such as Federal Reserve, which are not subject to control by either congress or the president,

Government Corporations

Agencies with business-like functions, e.g., US Postal Service.

Office of Management and Budget

Bureaucracy aiding president in budget preparation.

Discretionary Authority

Bureaucrats' power to make policies not explicitly stated.

Civil Service

Government workers hired based on merit.

Merit System

Hiring and promoting based on abilities, not political favors.

Pendleton Act

Established merit-based civil service hiring.

Iron Triangle

Mutually beneficial relationship between agency, committee, interest group.

Issue Network

A link of policy experts, interest groups, think tanks, congressional staff members, media pundits, etc. who regularly debate an issue.

Appropriation

Legislative grant of money for government programs.

Regulation

Government control over private sector business practices.