Ap Government Unit 2:Executive Branch and Beurocracy Study Guide

Qualifications to be President

Must be a natural-born citizen of the U.S., at least 35 years old, and a resident in the U.S. for at least 14 years.

Impeachment Process

House of Representatives votes to impeach (simple majority); Senate holds a trial and votes to convict (two-thirds majority required).

20th Amendment

Changes inauguration date to January 20th.

22nd Amendment

Limits the president to two terms.

25th Amendment

Addresses presidential succession and disability.

Department of State

The oldest department, established in 1789.

Department of the Treasury

Another oldest department, established in 1789.

Attorney General

Title of the leader of the Department of Justice.

Control of the Bureaucracy

Presidents control it by appointing agency heads, issuing executive orders, and proposing budgets.

National Security Council (NSC)

Advises the President on national security and foreign policies.

War Powers Resolution

Limits the President's ability to send troops into combat without Congressional approval for 60 days.

Executive Agreements

International agreements made by the President without Senate approval.

Executive Orders

Directives issued by the President to manage the federal government.

Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

Assists the President in preparing the federal budget and supervising its administration.

Council of Economic Advisors (CEA)

Provides economic advice to the President.

Mandatory Spending

Required by law spending, such as Social Security and Medicare.

Discretionary Spending

Subject to annual appropriation, such as defense and education.

Pocket Veto

When the President does not sign a bill within 10 days and Congress is adjourned.

Role of the First Lady

Varies by individual, often focuses on social issues and public advocacy.

Chief Executive

Presidential role involving administering laws and appointing officials.

Chief Legislator

Presidential role involving recommending legislation and vetoing bills.

Chief Diplomat

Presidential role involving negotiating treaties and meeting with foreign leaders.

Commander in Chief

Presidential role leading the military.

Bureaucracy

A system of managing government through departments run by appointed officials.

Benefits of the Bureaucracy

Efficiency in managing large-scale operations, expertise and specialization, and continuity and stability.

Criticisms of the Bureaucracy

Red tape and inefficiency, lack of accountability, and resistance to change.

Spoils System

Jobs given based on political loyalty.

Merit System

Jobs awarded based on qualifications and performance.

Pendleton Act

Established the Civil Service Commission and marked the beginning of the merit system.

Number of Cabinet Positions

There are 15 cabinet positions.

Independent Executive Agencies

Agencies such as NASA and EPA.

Bureaucrat

Government officials who implement and administer laws and policies.

Growth of the Bureaucracy

Increased complexity of society and government functions, expansion of federal programs and services.

Congressional Influence on Bureaucracy

Through appropriations, budget control, oversight, and legislation.

Iron Triangle

A close relationship between an agency, a congressional committee, and an interest group.

White House Office

Presidential staff overseeing the policy interests of the president.

Issue Network

An alliance of interest groups promoting a single issue.

Quasi-Legislative Powers

Agencies that create regulations.

Quasi-Judicial Powers

Agencies that adjudicate disputes.

Executive Agreement

An agreement between the president and another head of state that doesn’t require Senate approval.

Electoral College Votes

Each state gets a number of electoral votes equal to its total Senators and Representatives.

Swing States

States where both major political parties have similar levels of support.

Electoral College - Best Argument For

Preserves federalism and ensures representation of smaller states.

Electoral College - Best Argument Against

The risk of 'faithless electors' who don't vote according to their state's popular vote.

Presidential Actions Requiring Senate Approval

Treaties, Supreme Court appointments, and high-level federal appointments.

Divided Government

When the presidency and one or both houses of Congress are controlled by different parties.

Cabinet Department with Most Employees

The Department of Defense.

Hatch Act

Prohibits federal employees from engaging in certain political activities.