U.S. Presidency, Bureaucracy, and Federal Policy: Key Concepts and Powers

What are formal powers of the president?

Enforce laws, veto, commander in chief, appoint officials, make treaties.

What are informal powers?

Executive orders, agreements, signing statements, persuasion.

What is a pocket veto?

President ignores a bill; it dies when Congress adjourns.

What is the line-item veto?

Veto parts of a bill; ruled unconstitutional.

Who is the commander in chief?

The president leads the military.

What is executive privilege?

President can withhold info from Congress.

What do Cabinet Secretaries do?

Advise the president; run executive departments.

What does the White House Staff do?

Manages daily operations and advises the president.

What is an ambassador?

Official representing the U.S. abroad.

What is Senate confirmation?

Senate approves presidential nominees.

What is impeachment?

Process to remove the president.

What does Federalist No. 70 argue?

Strong executive for unity, safety, energy.

What is the imperial presidency?

Presidency that expands power too far.

How did FDR expand power?

New Deal programs; wartime actions.

What does the War Powers Act require?

President must notify Congress within 48 hours of military action.

What is the bully pulpit?

President uses media to speak directly to the public.

What is the State of the Union?

Annual speech outlining policy goals.

What does the Communications Staff do?

Manages media and public image.

How has technology changed communication?

Presidents use TV, internet, and social media to reach the public instantly.

What is the bureaucracy?

Agencies that implement and enforce federal policy.

What is an iron triangle?

Congress + Interest Groups + Agencies working together.

What is the merit system?

Hiring based on qualifications.

What did the Pendleton Act do?

Ended the spoils system.

What is discretionary authority?

Agency power to decide how to enforce laws.

What does the APA require?

Public notice and comment before rules take effect.

What is the Federal Register?

Publication of proposed rules.

What is the Code of Federal Regulations?

Final rules enforced by agencies.

What is congressional oversight?

Congress reviews and supervises agencies.

What is the power of the purse?

Congress controls agency funding.

What is compliance monitoring?

Ensuring rules are being followed.

What does OIRA do?

Reviews agency regulations for cost and consistency.

What is the legislative veto?

Congress tries to block agency actions (unconstitutional).

What is the Whistleblower Protection Act?

Protects employees reporting wrongdoing.

How do courts check the bureaucracy?

Judicial review; strike down illegal rules.

What causes conflict between Congress and the bureaucracy?

Funding battles, oversight, and policy disagreements.