Gov Executive

20th Amendment:

20th Amendment:

Also known as the Lame Duck Amendment, it sets the terms of the President and Congress, specifying when their terms begin and end

22nd Amendment

This amendment limits a president to serving no more than two terms in office.

25th Amendment

amendment establishes procedures for presidential succession, filling a vacancy in the office of the vice president, and addressing presidential disability.

Administrative adjudication

The process by which administrative agencies resolve disputes between parties through an administrative hearing and a decision by an administrative law judge.

Administrative discretion

The authority given to administrative agencies to interpret and apply laws when making decisions.

Administrative rule making

The process by which administrative agencies create regulations that have the force of law.

Bully Pulpit

The idea that the President can use their position of power and visibility to shape public opinion and mobilize support for their policies.

Bureaucracy

A large, complex organization composed appointed officials responsible for implementing government policies and programs

Candidate centered politics

A political system where candidates for office focus on their own attributes and platforms rather than party affiliation or ideology.

Chief Diplomat

The role of the President in conducting foreign policy and representing the United States to other nations.

Chief Executive

The role of the President as the head of the executive branch, responsible for implementing and enforcing laws.

Chief Legislator

The role of the President in influencing the legislative process by proposing legislation and working with Congress to enact laws.

Chief of Staff

The senior staff member in the White House who manages the President's schedule, oversees the Executive Office staff, and serves as a key advisor.

Civil Servant (Bureaucrat)

A non-elected government employee who works in the civil service and is tasked with implementing government policies and programs.

Civil Service (merit based)

A system of employment in government based on merit, where individuals are hired and promoted based on qualifications and performance rather than political patronage.

Commander in Chief

The role of the President as the head of the military forces of the United States.

Commutation

The reduction of a criminal sentence, typically by a chief executive such as a president or governor.

Deregulation

The process of reducing or eliminating government regulations on industries and businesses

Divided Government

A political situation in which different political parties control the presidency and one or both houses of Congress.

Electoral College

The body of electors chosen by the voters in each state to elect the President and Vice President of the United States.

Emergency Powers

Extraordinary powers granted to the executive branch in times of crisis or emergency to address urgent situations.

Executive Agency

A federal agency responsible for implementing and enforcing specific laws enacted by Congress.

Executive Agreement

An agreement between the President and the leader of a foreign government that does not require Senate approval, but has the same legal force as a treaty.

Executive Order

A directive issued by the President that has the force of law and directs the actions of executive branch agencies.

Executive Privilege

The principle that allows the President and other high-ranking executive branch officials to withhold information from Congress, the courts, and the public to protect the confidentiality of their communications.

Government Corporation

A government-owned corporation that operates like a private business and provides services to the public.

Gridlock

A situation in which the government is unable to act because rival parties control different parts of the government and are unable to reach agreements.

Honeymoon effect

The period of time immediately following a president's election during which the president enjoys high approval ratings and increased influence with Congress and the public.

Impeachment

The process by which a legislative body brings charges against a government official, typically the President, for misconduct in office

Imperial President

A term used to describe a president who exceeds the constitutional limits of executive power.

Impoundment

The refusal of a president to spend money that has been appropriated by Congress.

Independent Administrative Agency

A federal agency that operates outside the executive branch and is not subject to the direct control of the President.

Independent Regulatory Commissions

A Federal agencies with quasi-judicial and quasi legislative powers that are designed to be independent of presidential control.

Inherent powers

Powers of the President that are not explicitly stated in the Constitution but are inferred from the President's role as chief executive and commander in chief.

Inspectors General

Independent officials within government agencies responsible for investigating and reporting on waste, fraud, and abuse.

Iron triangles

Informal alliances between government agencies, interest groups, and congressional committees that work together to shape government policy.

Kitchen Cabinet

A group of unofficial advisors to the President, often consisting of close friends or associates, who are consulted on important decisions.

Lame duck

An elected official who is approaching the end of their term and therefore has less influence and power.

Legislative Liaison Staff

members responsible for communicating with Congress and advocating for the President's legislative agenda.

Legislative veto

A provision that allows Congress to nullify or overturn a decision made by the executive branch.

Line item veto

The power of a governor or president to reject specific provisions of a bill without vetoing the entire bill. It was given to president clinton during his term to hopefully remove pork.

Pardon/Amnesty

The forgiveness of a crime and the cancellation of the relevant penalty, either by the President or a governor.

President-elect

The individual who has been elected President but has not yet taken office.

Presidential coattails

The tendency for a popular presidential candidate to attract votes for other candidates of the same party in down-ballot races.

Quasi judicial

Having some characteristics of a judicial proceeding, but not fully adhering to judicial standards or procedures.

Quasi Legislative

Having some characteristics of the legislative process, but not fully adhering to legislative standards or procedures.

Red Tape

Excessive bureaucratic procedures and regulations that impede efficiency and effectiveness in government.

Reprieve

The temporary postponement of a punishment, typically a death sentence.

Signing statement

A written pronouncement issued by the President when signing a bill into law, often indicating the President's interpretation of the law or how it will be implemented.

Spoils System/Patronage

A system of appointing government positions based on political loyalty rather than merit.

State of the Union Address

An annual speech delivered by the President to Congress, outlining the administration's legislative agenda and priorities.

Statutory powers

a legal power given by statute law

Street level bureaucrats

Government officials who interact directly with citizens and implement public policies at the local level.

Sunset clause

A provision in a law that automatically terminates the law after a specified period unless it is reauthorized by the legislature.

Sunshine laws

Laws that require government agencies to conduct their business in public and provide access to government records.

Succession

In the context of government or organizations, succession refers to the process of one person or group replacing another in a specific role or position, usually due to retirement, resignation, death, or removal. Succession plans are often put in place to ensure smooth transitions and continuity of operations.

Take care clause (Article 2)

mandates that the President "shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed." This clause imposes a duty on the President to ensure that the laws enacted by Congress are enforced and followed.

Trial balloons

a political strategy where an idea or proposal is floated to the public or stakeholders to gauge their reaction before it is officially announced or implemented. This allows policymakers to assess potential support or opposition to a policy or decision.

Veto/Pocket Veto

the power of a government authority, typically the executive branch, to reject a proposed law or legislation. A pocket veto occurs when the President or other executive official does not sign a bill into law and Congress adjourns within a certain timeframe, effectively preventing the bill from becoming law without the need for a formal veto.

Watergate

a major political scandal in the United States during the 1970s, which ultimately led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon in 1974. The scandal involved illegal activities, including the burglary of the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate office complex in Washington, D.C., and subsequent attempts to cover up the involvement of Nixon's administration.

Whistleblower

an individual who exposes illegal, unethical, or wrongful activities within an organization or government entity. Whistleblowers often face risks such as retaliation or legal repercussions but play a crucial role in promoting transparency and accountability.

White House Staff

a staff consists of individuals who work directly for the President of the United States and provide support in various capacities, including policy advice, communications, scheduling, and administrative tasks. These staff members are appointed by the President and work within the Executive Office of the President.

Cabinet Departments

the major administrative units of the executive branch of the United States government, each headed by a Secretary who is a member of the President's Cabinet.

Council of Economic Advisors

an agency within the Executive Office of the President responsible for providing the President with economic analysis, advice, and recommendations on domestic and international economic policy matters.

Executive Office of the President

a group of agencies and offices that directly assist the President in carrying out various responsibilities and functions. It includes entities such as the White House Office, the Office of Management and Budget, and the National Security Council.

National Security Council

a forum within the Executive Office of the President that advises and assists the President on matters related to national security and foreign policy. It is composed of key officials, including the President, Vice President, Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, and other relevant advisors.

Office of Management & Budget

an agency within the Executive Office of the President responsible for assisting the President in preparing the federal budget, overseeing the implementation of fiscal policy, and evaluating the effectiveness of government programs and agencies.

Office of Personnel Management

an agency within the federal government responsible for managing the civilian workforce of the United States government. It oversees personnel policies, employee benefits, and civil service regulations.

Budget Impoundment & Control Act (1974)

a federal law that establishes procedures to prevent the President from unilaterally withholding funds appropriated by Congress. It was enacted in response to concerns about the abuse of impoundment powers by the executive branch.

Civil Service Reform Act (1978)

a federal law that overhauled the civil service system in the United States, aiming to improve efficiency, professionalism, and accountability within the federal workforce. It established merit-based principles for hiring and promotion and created the Senior Executive Service.

Freedom of Information Act

a federal law that grants the public the right to request access to records and information held by federal government agencies. It promotes transparency and accountability by allowing individuals to obtain government documents and data.

Hatch Act

is a federal law that restricts the political activities of federal employees, prohibiting them from engaging in certain partisan political activities while on duty or using government resources. The law aims to ensure that federal employees serve the public interest impartially and without bias.

Pendleton Act

a federal law enacted in 1883 that established a merit-based system for federal civil service appointments. It aimed to curb political patronage and corruption by requiring appointments and promotions based on qualifications rather than political connections.

War Powers Resolution (1973)

is a federal law passed by Congress in 1973 that asserts the role of Congress in the decision to commit U.S. military forces to hostilities abroad. It requires the President to notify Congress within 48 hours of deploying troops and limits the duration of military engagements without congressional authorization.

Bush v. Gore (2000)

a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case that arose from the disputed 2000 presidential election between George W. Bush and Al Gore. The case centered on the recount of ballots in Florida and ultimately resulted in the Court's decision to stop the recount, effectively determining Bush as the winner of the election.

Clinton v. City of New York (1998)

refers to a U.S. Supreme Court case that challenged the constitutionality of the Line Item Veto Act of 1996, which allowed the President to veto specific provisions within a bill without vetoing the entire legislation. The Court ruled that the Line Item Veto Act violated the Presentment Clause of the U.S. Constitution.

US v. Nixon (1974)

was a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case that compelled President Richard Nixon to release tape recordings and documents related to the Watergate scandal. The Court unanimously held that the President is not above the law and must comply with judicial subpoenas, leading to Nixon's resignation