Big 20 unit 2- Deano

Appropriation

A legislative grant of money passed by Congress to fund a specific government program or agency.

Gridlock

A situation where there is difficulty in passing laws due to a conflict between political parties.

State of the Union Address

An annual speech given by the president to Congress reporting on the nation's condition.

Pocket veto

An indirect rejection of a bill when the president takes no action and Congress adjourns within 10 days.

Line-item veto

The power to reject specific parts of a bill while passing the rest (declared unconstitutional for the president).

Impeachment

The formal charge brought by the House of Representatives to accuse an official of misconduct.

Independent Regulatory Commissions

Federal agencies created by Congress to regulate specific economic activities or industries outside presidential control.

Government Corporations

Government-owned agencies created to provide services and operate like private businesses.

Bully pulpit

The president's use of the prestige and visibility of their office to persuade the public and pressure Congress.

Bureaucracy

A large, complex administrative structure of appointed officials that carries out the day-to-day work of government.

Civil service

A system of hiring and promoting government workers based on competitive exams and merit rather than political connections.

Merit system

The practice of hiring and promoting government employees based on their qualifications and performance.

Iron triangle

A 3-sided alliance among a bureaucratic agency, a congressional committee, and an interest group to advance shared policy goals.

Bureaucratic Discretion

The ability of executive agencies to make choices and decide how to enforce and carry out laws.

Regulation

Rules or guidelines issued by executive agencies that have the force of law to control public or private conduct.

Executive Privilege

The President's power to withhold confidential communications from Congress or the courts.

Lame duck period

The time between an election and the inauguration of new officials.

Cabinet

An advisory body made up of executive department heads chosen by the president.

Executive Agreement

An international pact made by the president without requiring Senate ratification.

Executive Order

A presidential directive to federal agencies that carries the force of law.