the bureaucracy

ap gov

cabinet departments

Executive branch units that manage specific areas of public policy and government functions.

independent executive agents

Agencies within the executive branch that operate independently of the cabinet departments, focusing on specific functions and missions.

independent regulatory commissions

Federal agencies created by Congress to regulate specific economic activities or areas of public interest, ensuring compliance with laws and protecting public welfare.

government corporations

Federal agencies that operate like private businesses, providing services and generating revenue while serving public purposes.

administrative discretion

The ability of bureaucrats to make choices and decisions within the boundaries of laws and regulations, allowing for flexibility in implementation. It enables bureaucrats to interpret laws and policies to meet specific situations effectively.

spoils system

after winning an election, a political party gives government jobs to its supporters for their loyalty

pendleton civil service act

A law passed in 1883 that established a merit-based system for federal employment and aimed to reduce the influence of the spoils system by requiring jobs to be filled based on qualifications rather than political connections.

hatch act

federal law from 1939 - restricts political activities of federal employees to ensure a nonpartisan workforce.

civil service reform act

series of laws aimed at improving integrity & efficiency of public sector by addressing issues (hiring practices + employee conduct)

political patronage

practice of providing government jobs & favors to political supporters.

merit system

system of hiring & promoting based on qualifications and performance rather than on political connections or patronage.

iron triangles

stable relationships between: government agencies + congressional committees + interest groups - often shape policy outcomes

interest networks

groups of individuals + organizations - collaborate to influence policy decisions & advance common interests.

rule making authority

the power of administrative agencies to make rules and regulation, interpreting legislation

discretionary authority

the power of bureaucratic agencies to make decisions and take actions within the guidelines set by legislation.

enabling legislation

laws that grant authority to create policies and regulations.

bargaining/persuasion power

bureaucrats can influence policy by bargaining

executive agreements

between heads of state that do not require Senate approval.

signing statements

issued by the President to clarify interpretation of laws or to assert constitutional objections.

veto power

potus can reject legislation passed by congress

pardon power

potus can cancel penalties for federal crimes

executive privilege

potus can withhold info from congress or the courts

inherent powers of the president

powers not explicitly listed in the Constitution but deemed necessary for the president to perform their duties effectively, such as emergency powers.

commander in cheif

president is the highest military authority, responsible for national security

chief legislator

potus influences and makes laws & can veto

chief executive officer

the president's role as the top official in the executive branch, responsible for enforcing laws and overseeing the federal administration.

chief diplomat

the president's role in managing foreign relations and representing the United States to other countries.

chief of state

the president's role as the ceremonial leader of the country, representing the nation in official functions and ceremonies.

chevron doctrine

legal principle directs courts to defer to agencies' interpretations of ambiguous statutes they administer.

scotus confirmation process

potus nominates candidate, senate reviews nominee’s qualifications —> votes to recommend nominee to full senate, full senate debates then votes on confirmation

cabinet confirmation process

potus nominates candidate, senate refers to appropriate committee, hearings to evaluate qualifications and testimony, votes to recommend to full senate, full senate debates then votes to confirm

west wing staff

advisors & assistants who work directly with potus in the West Wing of the White House, handling various aspects of administration and policy.

the bully pulpit

a platform of power for the president to advocate for policy and influence public opinion.

state of the union (sotu)

annual address from president to Congress, outlining current condition, administration's priorities, achievements, and proposed legislation.

press conferences

formal meetings - potus addresses media, answering questions and providing updates on policies and issues.

press releases/statements

official communications from White House to inform media and public about policies, events, or decisions.

presidential address

speech delivered by president to convey important messages to the public or Congress, often covering policy priorities and national issues.

social media and its usage by potus

potus announces new leaders, new policy, compains, etc.

oversight hearings

congressional reviews of executive actions and agency operations to ensure accountability and compliance with laws.

government accountability office (gao)

independent agency that provides auditing, evaluation, and investigative services for Congress to ensure effective federal spending and compliance.

committee hearings

conducted to ensure legislative oversight - meetings held in congressional committees to discuss legislation

power of the purse

congress controls spending and money, allowing it to influence fiscal policy and government operations.

judicial review

courts determine constitutionality of actions of executive & legislative branches

federalism

power divided between central authority and smaller political units

federalist 70

Hamilton argues for strong executive leader w energy and decisiveness