SUMMARY || USGOV: Our Democracy - Chapter 23, Lesson 3-4

Commander in Chief

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

Treaty Ratification

The requirement that treaties negotiated by the President must be approved by a two-thirds majority in the Senate to become legally binding.

Secretary of State

The primary foreign affairs adviser to the President, overseeing diplomatic initiatives.

Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)

An agency responsible for gathering and analyzing intelligence related to global events.

Department of State

The U.S. government department responsible for advising the President on foreign policy and maintaining diplomatic relations.

Foreign Service Officers (FSOs)

Employees of the State Department who work in embassies and consulates to promote U.S. interests abroad.

War Powers

The constitutional authority of Congress to declare war and regulate military funding.

National Security Advisor

The official who chairs the National Security Council (NSC) and coordinates national security policy.

Department of Defense (DOD)

The U.S. government department that supervises the armed forces and shapes U.S. military policy.

Public Opinion

The collective attitudes or beliefs of the public that can influence foreign policy decisions.

Presidential Powers

The specific powers granted to the President by the U.S. Constitution, including the ability to enforce laws, veto legislation, and command the military.

Enumerated Powers

Specific powers granted to Congress by the Constitution, including the power to tax, regulate commerce, and declare war.

Implied Powers

Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but inferred from the enumerated powers, allowing Congress to enact laws necessary to carry out its functions.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Section of the Constitution that grants Congress the authority to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for executing its enumerated powers.

Commerce Clause

The clause in the Constitution that gives Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations and among the states.

Override a Veto

The process by which Congress can pass a bill despite the President's veto, requiring a two-thirds majority in both houses.

Impeachment Powers

The authority of Congress to remove a President or other federal officials from office for misconduct.

Senate Confirmation

The constitutional requirement that the Senate approves presidential appointments to key government positions.

Majority vs. Supermajority

A simple majority is more than half, whereas a supermajority (like two-thirds) is required for specific actions like overriding a veto or ratifying treaties.

Mission of the Department of State

To advance U.S. interests and promote peace, stability, and democracy through diplomacy and international relations.

Chief of Staff

The senior staff officer who manages the President's schedule and orchestrates the operations of the White House.

Press Secretary

The spokesperson for the President, responsible for addressing the media and communicating the administration's policies and decisions.

National Security Council (NSC)

A group of senior national security advisers and aides that helps the President coordinate foreign policy and national security.

Economic Advisor

An official who advises the President on economic policy, fiscal matters, and overall economic strategy.

Attorney General

The head of the U.S. Department of Justice, responsible for enforcing laws and representing the United States in legal matters.

Ambassadors

High-ranking diplomats appointed to represent the U.S. in foreign countries, responsible for managing diplomatic relations.

Director of National Intelligence (DNI)

The official who oversees the U.S. Intelligence Community and advises the President on intelligence matters.

U.S. Trade Representative

A member of the President's cabinet responsible for developing and coordinating U.S. trade policy.

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator

The head of the agency responsible for protecting human health and the environment by enforcing regulations.

Secretary of Treasury

The cabinet member responsible for managing the nation's finances, including fiscal policy and the federal budget.

Treaty

A formal agreement between two or more sovereign states, recognized under international law.

International Trade

The exchange of goods and services between countries, governed by treaties and regulations.

Commerce

The activity of buying and selling, particularly on a large scale in the context of international trade.

Syria

A Middle Eastern country that has been significantly affected by civil war, impacting its international relations and trade agreements.

Bilateral Trade Agreement

A trade agreement between two countries to promote and regulate trade between them.

Sanctions

Economic or political measures imposed by countries to influence or punish other nations, often affecting trade.

Trade Policy

Government policy regarding the regulations and agreements that control international trade.

Free Trade Agreement

A pact between two or more nations to reduce or eliminate trade barriers, promoting easier commerce.

Embassy

A diplomatic mission located in the capital city of a foreign country, representing the home country and responsible for its interests.

Consulate

A smaller diplomatic mission located in major cities of a foreign country, focusing on assisting citizens, promoting trade, and fostering relationships.

Passport

An official document issued by a government that certifies the identity and nationality of the holder, allowing them to travel abroad.

Visa

An endorsement on a passport granting the holder permission to enter, stay in, or leave a foreign country for a specified period and purpose.

Diplomatic Immunity

A principle of international law that offers diplomats protection from legal action in the host country.

Cultural Attache

A diplomat responsible for promoting and fostering cultural relations between countries.

Visa Waiver Program

A program that allows citizens of certain countries to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without a visa.

Schengen Area

A group of European countries that abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders.

Refugee Status

A protected status granted to individuals who flee their home country due to persecution or fear of persecution.

Travel Advisory

An official statement issued by a government outlining the safety and security risks associated with travel to specific countries or regions.