AP Gov Congress + Bureaucracy

Executive Branch

the branch of government responsible for enforcing laws, headed by the president and including the vice president, cabinet, and federal bureaucracy

Formal (Enumerated) Powers

powers of the president explicitly listed in Article II of the Constitution, such as vetoing legislation and serving as commander in chief

Informal Powers

powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but gained through precedent and practice, such as using the bully pulpit or negotiating executive agreements

Commander in Chief

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

Chief Executive

the president’s role as head of the executive branch, responsible for enforcing laws

Chief Diplomat

the president’s role in directing U.S. foreign policy and relations with other nations

Chief Legislator

the president’s role in influencing the legislative agenda and working with Congress to pass laws

Bully Pulpit

the president’s ability to use the office as a platform to shape public opinion and influence Congress

Executive Order

a directive issued by the president that has the force of law and directs executive agencies

Executive Agreement

an agreement between the president and a foreign leader that does not require Senate approval

Treaty

a formal agreement between the United States and another country that must be approved by two-thirds of the Senate

Veto

the president’s constitutional power to reject legislation passed by Congress

Signing Statement

a written statement issued by the president at the time a bill is signed, often explaining how the law will be interpreted or enforced

Executive Privilege

the president’s ability to withhold information from Congress or the courts, especially related to national security or confidential communications

Imperial Presidency

the idea that the presidency has grown too powerful and exceeds its constitutional authority

Federalist No. 70

an essay by Alexander Hamilton arguing for a strong, energetic executive

State of the Union Address

an annual speech in which the president outlines policy priorities and the condition of the nation

Cabinet

a group of advisors made up of the heads of the executive departments who assist the president

Cabinet Departments

major administrative units of the federal government, such as the Department of Defense or Department of State

White House Staff

key advisors and assistants who work directly for the president and do not require Senate confirmation

Senate Confirmation

the Senate’s constitutional power to approve or reject presidential appointments

Independent Regulatory Agencies

government agencies created by Congress to regulate specific industries and operate independently from presidential control

Life Tenure

a system in which officials, such as federal judges, serve for life unless removed, ensuring independence from political pressure

Federal Bureaucracy

the system of agencies and officials that implement and enforce federal laws

Bureaucrat

an individual who works within a government agency

Implementation

the process of putting a law into practice by federal agencies

Regulation

the process through which federal bureaucracies use rulemaking and enforcement to carry out laws passed by Congress

Rulemaking

the process by which agencies create detailed rules that explain how laws will be applied

Bureaucratic Discretion

the authority of bureaucrats to make choices about how laws are implemented

Delegated Discretionary Authority

authority given by Congress to agencies to decide how best to implement laws

Compliance Monitoring

actions taken by agencies to ensure that individuals and organizations follow regulations

Merit System

a system of hiring government employees based on qualifications and performance rather than political connections

Political Patronage

a system in which government jobs are awarded based on political loyalty or support

Congressional Oversight

Congress’s power to monitor and supervise federal agencies to ensure laws are properly implemented

Power of the Purse

Congress’s authority to control government spending and taxation

Appropriations

laws passed by Congress that allocate money to government agencies

Supplemental Appropriations

additional funds provided by Congress beyond the regular budget, often for emergencies

Budget Proposal

a detailed plan submitted by the president outlining expected revenues and proposed spending

Iron Triangle

a stable relationship among a congressional committee, a bureaucratic agency, and an interest group that supports a specific policy

Issue Network

a loose and informal group of individuals and organizations that interact on a policy issue

Lobbying

efforts by individuals or groups to influence government officials and policy decisions

Free-Rider Problem

a situation in which individuals benefit from a public good without contributing to its cost

Pluralist Democracy

a theory that democracy is best served when multiple groups compete to influence public policy

Gridlock

a situation in which government is unable to act due to partisan conflict

Policy Implementation

the stage of policymaking where laws are carried out by the executive branch

Accountability

the responsibility of government officials to answer for their actions

Foreign Policy Powers

presidential authorities related to international relations, which have expanded more than domestic powers

Checks and Balances

a system that prevents any one branch of government from becoming too powerful