AP US Gov Unit 4 Vocab

Appointment power

The authority vested in the president to fill a government office or position.

Appropriation

A law of Congress which allows them to allocate federal funds to specific government agencies for designated purposes.

Bully pulpit

A public office or position of authority that provides its occupant with an outstanding opportunity to speak out on any issue.

Bureaucracy

A complex system of unelected government officials responsible for implementing the laws and policies created by the legislative branch.

Cabinet

A group of high-ranking officials, appointed by the president, which advises the president on policy matters and helps to implement decisions.

Chief diplomat (president)

The role of the president which includes responsibility for managing foreign relations, negotiating treaties, appointing ambassadors, and representing the nation in international affairs.

Chief executive (president)

The role of the president as head of the executive branch, enforcing laws, overseeing the federal bureaucracy, and ensuring policies passed by Congress are implemented effectively.

Civil service

A system of hiring and promoting based on the merit principle to create nonpartisan government service.

Commander-in-chief (president)

The role of the president as the supreme leader of the US Armed Forces, granting them ultimate military authority.

Congressional Budget Act of 1974

Legislation which established the framework for a new federal budget process involving Congress’s role within it.

Congressional Budget Office (CBO)

A nonpartisan government agency which provides independent analysis of budgetary and economic issues to Congress.

Continuing resolution

Temporary spending bills which allow federal government operations to continue until regular appropriations are enacted.

Debt

The total amount of money a government owes to lenders, accumulated over time through budget deficits.

Deficit

A situation where a government spends more money than it receives, resulting in a shortcoming requiring borrowing money.

Discretionary spending

The portion of the federal budget that Congress can adjust annually through appropriations bills.

Entitlement programs

Government-sponsored programs that guarantee specific benefits to individuals meeting certain eligibility requirements.

Executive agreement

International agreements made by the president without requirement for Senate approval.

Executive branch

Branch of government in charge with enforcing laws and administering public policy.

Executive order

Official directives issued by the president to manage the operations of the federal government.

Executive privilege

The right of the President and other executive officials to withhold certain information.

Fiscal policy

The government’s use of taxation and spending to manage the economy.

Fiscal year

A 12-month accounting period used by the government to plan and manage its finances.

Honeymoon

Initial phase of new administration in government, characterized by high approval ratings, optimism, and a sense of unity.

Impeachment

A constitutional procedure through which federal officials can be removed from office due to wrongdoing.

Imperial presidency

Expansion of presidential power, particularly in the realms of foreign policy and national security.

Impoundment

The presidential practice of withholding or delaying the spending of funds that have been appropriated by Congress.

Independent agencies

Government organizations that operate outside of the direct control of the executive branch.

Interest rate

The percentage charged by a lender to a borrower for use of money.

Lame duck

The period of time between an election and an inauguration of a new government where the outgoing official has limited power or influence.

Line item veto

A special type of power that allows an executive to reject individual provisions of a bill.

Mandatory spending

Government expenditures required by existing laws and automatically funded annually.

Monetary policy

The process by which the central bank manages the money supply and interest rates within the economy.

Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

A key executive office responsible for creating the President’s annual budget proposal.

Pardon

An official act of forgiveness granted by the president, absolving individuals of federal crimes.

Patronage

The practice of awarding government jobs or positions to individuals based on political loyalty.

Pocket veto

A legislative maneuver allowing the vetoer to take no action on a bill while Congress is adjourned.

Red tape

Excessive bureaucratic procedures and regulations that slow down efficient decision-making.

Schedule C job/political appointee

A type of political appointment for individuals serving in confidential or policy roles.

Sequestration

Automatic spending cuts that occur through the withdrawal of funding for certain government programs.

Surplus

A situation where a government receives more money than it spends.

Term (president)

The fixed duration of time that an individual serves as president (four years, two terms maximum).

Treaty ratification process

The process by which treaties or agreements are formally approved and validated, typically requiring a two-thirds vote in the Senate.

Veto

The power of an official, particularly the president, to reject a decision or proposal made by a legislative body.

Veto override

A legislative action that allows Congress to reverse a presidential veto of a bill.

War Powers Resolution

Federal law that limits the President’s ability to engage US forces in military conflicts.

White House staff

A group of advisors and support personnel who directly assist the president in carrying out their duties.