Policymaking Vocabulary

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to policymaking, including terms related to legislative processes, presidential roles, and government functions.

Filibuster

A prolonged speech that delays or entirely prevents a vote on a legislative proposal.

Cloture

Formal Senate procedure for breaking a filibuster.

Veto

Power of a president to reject a bill proposed by the legislature.

Standing Committee

A permanent panel of Congressmen that considers bills and measures.

Rules Committee

A panel of Congressmen that determines the rules of the legislature.

Conference Committee

A panel of Congressmen that resolves disagreements on a particular bill.

Lobbying (Lobbyist)

Act of influencing decisions made by the government.

Interest Groups

An organized group that tries to influence the government to adopt certain policies or measures.

Budget Deficit

Amount of money short of the amount needed.

National Debt (Public Debt)

Total amount of money owed, from borrowing, by the government.

Chief Diplomat

The president decides what American diplomats and ambassadors shall say to foreign governments.

Chief Executive

The president is the 'boss' for millions of government workers in the Executive Branch.

Chief Legislator

The president may urge Congress to pass new laws or veto bills that they do not favor.

Commander-in-Chief

The president is in charge of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Chief Citizen

The president represents all of the people of the United States.

Imperial Presidency

A U.S. presidency that is characterized by greater power than the U.S. Constitution allows.

Cabinet

A body of advisers to the president.

Mandatory Spending

Spending on certain programs that are required by existing law.

Discretionary Spending

Optional government spending that is implemented through an appropriations bill.

Executive Order

A rule or order issued by the president to an executive branch of the government.

Bureaucracies

Components of government where decisions are made by officials that are not elected persons.

Referendum

A measure (e.g. law) that is voted on by the people for approval.

Initiative

A procedure by which voters can propose a law or a constitutional amendment.

Recall

Procedure whereby voters can remove an elected official from office before their term is completed.

Public Policy

Processes by which a government decides to act or not act on a particular problem or concern.