Unit 5: The Executive Branch, Federal Bureaucracy, and Foreign Policy

Flashcards covering the structure, powers, and evolution of the Executive Branch, the federal bureaucracy, the federal budget process, and U.S. foreign policy and national security goals.

How does the lecture define a bureaucracy?

An organizational system where laws, policy, and regulatory authority are managed by non-elected officials and civil servants.

What is the definition of "administer" or "administration"?

To manage, direct, or control something.

What are the primary ways bureaucracies implement laws passed by legislatures?

Through rulemaking, drafting new bills for lawmakers, and giving information and advice to the Executive branch.

Which branch of government is responsible for establishing executive agencies in law?

The Legislative branch (Congress).

What are the main responsibilities of the federal bureaucracy?

Conducting the day-to-day operation of government and carrying out public policy.

At what levels of government is public policy implemented by bureaucracies?

At the national, state, and local levels.

What three main components comprise the federal bureaucracy at the national level?

The Executive Office of the President (EOP), Cabinet Departments, and Federal Agencies.

Which two departments make up over half of the federal civilian workforce as of September 2024?

The Department of Defense ($772,549$ civilian employees) and the Department of Veterans Affairs ($482,831$ employees).

What does the U.S. Constitution state in Article II regarding executive power and executive departments?

It is short and vague because the Founders feared giving too much power to the executive branch while also fearing limiting it; it mentions executive departments but includes no provisions on creating them, how many should exist, or how they should operate.

What are the key powers granted to the President regarding the law and executive officials?

Enforcing (carrying out) laws, administering the law, issuing executive orders, and appointing/removing executive officials (with appointments confirmed by the Senate).

What is an executive order, and how can it be checked?

An implied power that has the force of law and does not require Congressional approval; it can be checked by the Supreme Court.

What legislative checks does the Executive Branch have over Congress?

The President can veto acts of Congress and call special sessions of Congress.

What check does the Executive Branch have over the Judicial Branch?

The President appoints federal judges and justices.

What changes were established by the 20th Amendment (1933)?

It set the timing of presidential and vice-presidential inaugurations to January 20th, congressional terms to begin January 3rd, and established succession in case of presidential or vice-presidential death before inauguration.

What limitation did the 22nd Amendment (1951) establish?

It limits the number of times an individual can be elected President of the United States to two four-year terms.

What does the 25th Amendment (1967) establish regarding presidential disability and succession?

It establishes presidential succession in the event of death and disability, and it can be invoked temporarily (such as if a president undergoes a medical procedure).

How is a "budget" and a "deficit" defined?

A budget is a financial plan; a deficit is the amount of money or resources that falls short of a required or expected amount.

How is the responsibility for the federal budget divided?

The federal budget process is a shared responsibility between Congress and the President.

What are the first three steps in the annual federal budget process?

Step 1: The President submits a budget proposal to Congress each year; Step 2: Congress reviews the proposal and develops its own budget resolutions; Step 3: Budget committees in both the House and Senate draft budget plans.

What are Steps 4 and 5 in the federal budget process?

Step 4: Congress passes appropriations bills to fund government operations; Step 5: The President signs the appropriations bills into law (or vetoes them).

What happens in Step 6 of the federal budget process if no budget is passed by the deadline?

A continuing resolution may be enacted to temporarily fund the government.

What occurs during Step 7 of the federal budget process?

The process includes oversight and adjustments throughout the fiscal year.

What are the foreign policy powers of the President?

The President has primary responsibility for making foreign policy, serves as Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, negotiates, persuades, applies economic pressure, and can threaten military intervention when necessary.

What foreign policy powers belong to Congress and the Senate?

Congress has the power to declare war and appropriate funds; the Senate has the power to confirm ambassadors and approve treaties by a $\frac{2}{3}$rds vote.

What foreign policy power is held by the Supreme Court?

The power to interpret treaties and executive actions.

What is the primary responsibility of the national government in foreign policy and national security?

To protect its citizens.

What four external factors influence U.S. foreign policy and national security decisions?

Public opinion, special interests, international organizations, and foreign countries.

What are the four primary tools of U.S. foreign policy?

Conventional diplomacy, foreign aid, economic sanctions, and military intervention.

Which key executive agencies and departments are directly involved in foreign policy and national security?

State Department (Foreign Service), National Security Council, Department of Defense, Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Department of Homeland Security, and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

How is "diplomacy" defined?

The practice of conducting peaceful negotiations, dialogue, and/or communication between nations or groups.

What historical event in April 1971 exemplifies "ping-pong diplomacy"?

Nine players from the U.S. Table Tennis team took a trip to China, becoming the first delegation of Americans to visit since the 1949 revolution, which helped lay groundwork for establishing official diplomatic relations and cultural exchange.

What is "soft power" in international relations?

A country's ability to influence other nations without resorting to coercive pressure.

What constitutes U.S. foreign policy?

The official positions and actions that the national government takes in its relationships with other countries.

What are the five core U.S. foreign policy goals?

1. Fulfilling a commitment to preserve a peaceful world; 2. Promoting democratic values; 3. Protecting nations from aggression; 4. Encouraging market-oriented economies and free trade; 5. Advancing international cooperation.