Executive Branch/Bureaucracies Study Guide

What do presidents look for in judicial nominees?

Nominees who share their ideology, are qualified, and can be confirmed easily.

What is the main idea of Federalist #70?

The U.S. needs a single, energetic executive for unity, accountability, and quick action.

What are the executive checks on the judicial branch?

Appoints judges and grants pardons.

What is judicial review?

The ability of the judicial branch to strike down executive actions.

What are the legislative checks on the executive branch?

Override vetoes, impeach, and confirm appointments.

What are the qualifications to be president?

Must be 35 years old, a natural-born citizen, and have 14 years of residency.

What does the 20th Amendment change?

Changes inauguration dates.

What does the 22nd Amendment limit?

Limits the president to two terms.

What does the 12th Amendment establish?

Separate ballots for president and vice president.

What does the 25th Amendment address?

Presidential disability and succession.

Why is a strong executive necessary according to Federalist #70?

For national security, effective leadership, and preventing legislative dominance.

What are the formal roles of the president?

Commander in Chief, Chief Executive, Chief Diplomat, Chief Legislator.

What are the president's informal roles?

Party Leader.

What are executive orders?

Instructions to federal agencies.

What is executive privilege?

The ability to keep information confidential.

What are executive agreements?

Agreements with other countries without Senate approval.

What is a line-item veto?

The ability to cancel parts of a bill (unconstitutional for president).

What is a pocket veto?

The president ignores a bill during the last 10 days of Congress; the bill dies.

What does the War Powers Act do?

Limits the president's ability to send troops without Congress approval.

What is the difference between a pardon and amnesty?

A pardon forgives an individual; amnesty forgives a group of people.

How does Congress control the bureaucracy?

Through funding, oversight hearings, and writing detailed laws.

What are independent regulatory commissions?

Agencies that make and enforce rules in specific areas to protect the public.

What is NASA known for?

Space exploration and research.

What is the EPA's role?

Protects the environment and regulates pollution.

What are government corporations?

Provide services that could be private but aren't profitable, like USPS.

What is the mission of the FBI?

Federal law enforcement and national security investigations.

What is an iron triangle?

A relationship between congressional committees, bureaucratic agencies, and interest groups.

What are the three functions of bureaucracies?

Implementation of laws, administration of programs, and regulation.

What is the primary tool for new federal laws?

Bureaucracies use rule-making to create detailed regulations.