US Gov. Vocab Ch. 6

Chief Executive

The president's role involving the power to execute, or carry out, the nation’s laws, ensuring that government programs are carried out and laws passed by Congress are implemented.

Commander in Chief

The president's role as head of the nation’s military, with the authority to order troops into action and call them back home.

Foreign Policy

The nation’s plans and procedures for dealing with other countries. The president, as foreign policy leader, formulates these plans.

Diplomacy

The art of negotiating with foreign governments.

Chief of State

The president's role as the symbolic figurehead of the United States (also known as head of state).

Succession

The process of succeeding, or coming after, someone (in this context, the presidency).

25th Amendment

The constitutional amendment (ratified 1967) that formally incorporated the custom of the vice president assuming the title and duties of president in case of a vacancy, and also created procedures for handling presidential disability.

Electoral College

The body of electors, pledged to support specific candidates, who are chosen by voters and formally elect the president and vice president.

Executive Orders

A formal rule or regulation instructing executive branch officials on how to carry out their jobs; they have the force of law.

Executive Privilege

The power that allows a president to refuse to release information to Congress or a court, often claimed to shield sensitive information or ensure honest advice from advisors.

Diplomatic Recognition

The presidential power to formally recognize the legitimacy of a foreign government.

Reprieve

A postponement of the carrying out of a sentence, or the length of time a person is put in jail.

Pardon

An action that releases a convicted criminal from having to fulfill a sentence.

Amnesty

A general pardon granted to a group of offenders for offenses committed.

Commute

To reduce a person's sentence (included in the power to pardon).

Administration

All the people who work for the executive branch, from career government employees to presidential appointees.

Executive Office of the President (EOP)

A number of separate offices, staffed by many of the top administration officials, that help the president formulate policy.

White House Office

The entity within the EOP consisting of the president’s key personal and political staff (the White House staff).

Chief of Staff

The person appointed by the president to manage the White House Office, whose role can include managing everyday operations, serving as a primary adviser, controlling access to the president, and helping map political strategy.

National Security Council (NSC)

The group within the EOP that brings together the top military, foreign affairs, and intelligence officials in the administration to coordinate U.S. national security policy.

Council of Economic Advisers (CEA)

The group within the EOP that provides the president with expert analysis of the economy, examining economic trends and how policies affect/are affected by the economy, and assisting in forming economic policy.

Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

The organization within the EOP responsible for helping develop the federal budget and overseeing its execution by executive agencies, as well as setting policies for government finances and purchases.

Executive Departme

The major units of administration and policy-making in the executive branch, responsible for carrying out laws, administering programs, and making regulations in their specific area of responsibility. The heads of these departments form the core of the cabinet.