presidency and buracracy

Chief Executive

The president enforces federal laws, appoints officials, and manages the executive branch.

Commander in Chief

The president leads the U.S. armed forces.

Head of State

The symbolic leader of the U.S., representing the country at official functions.

Diplomat

The president represents the U.S. in foreign affairs.

Chief Diplomat

The president directs foreign policy and appoints ambassadors (with Senate confirmation).

Treaty

A formal agreement between countries, requiring Senate approval.

Veto

The president can veto congressional bills.

Cabinet

Advises the president and leads executive departments.
📌 Appointed by: President
📌 Confirmed by: Senate

Bureaucracy

Implements and administers federal policies through agencies.
📌 Includes: Career civil servants (merit-based) and political appointees.

Bureaucrats

Government workers carrying out daily tasks.
📌 Appointed: Most are hired by merit, some politically appointed.

Civil Servants

Employees hired based on qualifications through competitive exams and the merit system; not politically appointed.

Government Corporation

Provides services like a business (e.g., USPS, Amtrak).
📌 Leaders appointed by: President
📌 Confirmed by: Senate

Merit System

Ensures hiring and promotion in the civil service is based on ability, not politics.
📌 Established by: Pendleton Act (1883)

Negotiated Rulemaking

Agencies involve stakeholders to help write rules.
📌 Led by: Agency officials (some politically appointed, most

Patronage

The practice of giving jobs to loyal political supporters.
📌 Appointed by: President or elected officials
📌 Replaced mostly by: Merit system

Pay Schedule

Determines how federal employees are paid; not appointed, but structured by law.

Privatization

Government functions are transferred to private companies; no appointments involved.

Public Administration

The work of managing and implementing government policy.
📌 Led by: Political appointees and civil servants

Red Tape

Excessive rules and formalities in the bureaucracy; not a position.

Spoils System

Old system where jobs were given based on loyalty rather than merit.
📌 Appointed by: Winning politicians (now mostly abolished)

Whistleblower

An employee who exposes government wrongdoing.

Requirements to Run for President of the U.S.

Must be a natural-born citizen, at least 35 years old, and a U.S. resident for 14 years.

Roles of a U.S. President

Includes: Chief executive, commander in chief, chief diplomat, head of state, chief legislator, etc.

Veto Process

The president can veto laws; Congress can override with two-thirds majority in both houses.

Executive Orders

Directives from the president to federal agencies; do not require Congress’s approval.

War Powers Act (1973)

Limits president’s ability to send troops into combat without notifying Congress within 48 hours and getting approval within 60 days.

22nd Amendment

Limits a president to two terms in office.

25th Amendment

Details presidential succession and what happens if the president is incapacitated.
📌 VP appointed by: President
📌 Confirmed by: House and Senate

Presidential Succession Act of 1947

Establishes order of who takes over if president and VP are unable to serve (e.g., Speaker, Senate President pro tempore, then Cabinet in order of creation).

Inner Cabinet

Key Cabinet members: State, Defense, Treasury, Attorney General.
📌 Appointed by: President
📌 Confirmed by: Senate
📌 They: Advise on national security, law enforcement, finances, and foreign affairs.

Executive Office of the President (EOP)

Supports the president’s administrative and policy goals (includes Chief of Staff, National Security Council).
📌 Appointed by: President
📌 Most are not Senate-confirmed

Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

Prepares the federal budget and evaluates agency performance.
📌 Director appointed by: President
📌 Confirmed by: Senate

Emoluments Clause

Prevents federal officials from receiving gifts or payments from foreign states without congressional approval.

Pendleton Act (1883)

Created the merit-based civil service system to reduce patronage and corruption in federal hiring.

Civil Service Reform Act of 1978

Modernized the civil service and created:

Office of Personnel Management (OPM) – manages hiring
📌 Director appointed by: President
📌 Confirmed by: Senate

Hatch Act

Restricts federal employees from engaging in certain political activities while on duty; doesn’t affect who appoints them.