U.S. Government: Key Terms and Officials in Federal Politics

Pocket veto

A presidential power where the president rejects a bill by taking no action within ten days while Congress adjourns, which prevents Congress from overriding the veto.

Enumerated powers

Powers of Congress explicitly listed in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, including taxing, regulating interstate commerce, coining money, raising armed forces, and declaring war.

Informal powers

Powers of the president not stated in the Constitution but developed through tradition, precedent, and practice, such as executive orders and executive agreements.

Executive privilege

The president's claimed authority to withhold information from Congress or the courts in order to protect confidential executive branch communications, especially on national security matters.

Executive agreement

A binding international agreement made by the president without Senate approval, which carries the force of law but is easier to reverse than a treaty.

Signing statement

A written statement issued by the president when signing a bill into law, explaining how the executive branch understands or intends to enforce the law.

Executive order

A formal directive issued by the president to executive branch agencies that directs how laws or policies are implemented and has the force of law.

Executive Office of the President

A group of agencies and advisers that assist the president with policy making, budgeting, and national security, including offices such as the Office of Management and Budget.

Pendleton Act

A federal law passed in 1883 that created a merit based civil service system and reduced the use of patronage in federal hiring.

Civil service

the permanent, professional, and nonpartisan body of government employees who implement laws and policies, hired based on merit (skills/exams) rather than political favors (patronage) to ensure efficient, stable administration regardless of political changes

Merit system

A hiring and promotion system that relies on exams, performance, and credentials instead of political loyalty.

Iron triangle

A stable and mutually beneficial relationship among a congressional committee, a bureaucratic agency, and an interest group that shapes public policy.

Issue network

A broad, fluid group of individuals and organizations connected by shared policy concerns, including government officials, experts, and interest groups.

Bureaucratic discretion

The authority of bureaucratic agencies and officials to interpret laws and decide how they are implemented and enforced.

Bureaucratic regulation

Detailed rules written by executive agencies to carry out and enforce laws passed by Congress.

Bureaucratic adjudication

The process by which bureaucratic agencies resolve disputes and apply regulations through hearings and administrative rulings.

Patronage

The practice of awarding government jobs or benefits to political supporters, which was common before civil service reforms.

Speaker of the House

Current officeholder: Mike Johnson

President of the Senate

Current officeholder: J.D. Vance

President Pro Tempore

Current officeholder: Chuck Grassley

House Majority Leader

Current officeholder: Steve Scalise

House Minority Leader

Current officeholder: Hakeem Jeffries

House Majority Whip

Current officeholder: Tom Emmer

House Minority Whip

Current officeholder: Katherine Clark

Senate Majority Leader

Current officeholder: John Thune

Senate Minority Leader

Current officeholder: Chuck Schumer

Senate Majority Whip

Current officeholder: John Barrasso

Senate Minority Whip

Current officeholder: Dick Durbin

Committee chairperson

Current officeholder: Varies by committee and by party control in each chamber.