EXECUTIVE BRANCH VOCAB

AP GOV + POLITICS

Gridlock

the inability of the government to act because rival parties control different parts of the government

Formal power

authority given to an individual based on their official position, title, or rank within an organization, government, or legal system.

Informal power

the ability to lead without an official title or position of authority

Executive order

a signed, written, and published directive issued by the U.S. President to manage the operations of the federal government's executive branch

Executive agreement

A formal agreement with a foreign nation

Treaty

A formal agreement with a foreign nation (requiring two-thirds Senate approval

Cabinet

The leaders of the 15 executive departments who advise the president

Bully pulpit

a prominent public position or office that provides an exceptional platform to express one's views, shape public opinion, and advocate for an agenda - Someone who influences public opinion and advocates for an agenda

State of the Union

an annual message delivered by the president to a joint session of Congress outlining the country's status, administration priorities, and legislative agenda

Executive privilege

implied presidential power that allows the president and high-level executive branch officials to keep certain communications confidential and refuse to hand over documents or testimony to Congress or the courts

22nd Amendment

a formal constitutional limit that prevents any person from being elected to the office of the President more than twice

25th Amendment

establishes clear constitutional protocols for presidential succession and disability

Veto

The legal power to unilaterally stop or reject an official action

Pocket veto

An absolute veto that occurs if the president does not sign a bill and Congress has adjourned during the 10-day window, preventing the president from returning it. This type cannot be overridden by Congress.

Line-item veto

The power of a chief executive to reject specific parts of a bill—typically individual spending provisions or tax breaks—while signing the rest of the legislation into law

Signing statement

a written pronouncement issued by the President of the United States when signing a bill into law

an informal presidential power—written and issued by the U.S. President at the time of signing a bill into law—that explains how the executive branch intends to interpret, enforce, or ignore specific provisions of the legislation

Impeachment

the formal constitutional process by which the House of Representatives charges a federal official

Pardon

an executive power that forgives an individual for a federal or state crime, canceling the remaining punishment and restoring lost civil rights

Lame duck

an elected official (such as a president or member of Congress) who is nearing the end of their term and whose departure is guaranteed—either due to losing reelection, retiring, or facing term limits

Congressional oversight

Refers to Congress's implied power to review, monitor, and supervise the executive branch and federal bureaucratic agencies. Making sure authority is not abused.

Bureaucracy

Consists of the unelected administrative officials, departments, agencies, commissions, and government corporations that implement federal policies created by Congress and the president

Executive Office of the President

a cluster of agencies, offices, and advisory groups established in 1939 to help the president oversee the executive branch bureaucracy and develop policy

is the group of agencies, offices, and staff members that directly advise and support the President of the United States in carrying out the duties of the executive branch.

White House Staff

The White House Staff is the group of people who work directly for the president of the United States in the West Wing and the White House Office — manage schedules, write speeches, and formulate policy.

Executive Departments

a major administrative unit of a government's executive branch responsible for implementing laws, managing public policies, and running day-to-day government operations

Government Corporations

a state-owned or federally chartered agency that provides market-oriented public services and generates its own revenues to cover or approximate its operating expenses

Independent regulatory systems

An independent regulatory system consists of government agencies established by statute to oversee specific sectors of the economy or public interest with a high degree of autonomy from direct executive branch or political contro

Office of Management and Budget

Its main job is to help the President oversee the execution of their policy, budget, management, and regulatory goals across the entire federal government.

Discretionary authority/bureaucratic discretion

the power granted by Congress to federal agencies to use their expert judgment and flexibility when interpreting, executing, and enforcing broad or vague laws

Civil service

the permanent, nonpartisan body of federal employees hired and promoted based on merit, qualifications, and competitive exams rather than political loyalty or party connections

Merit system

The practice of hiring, promoting, and retaining federal civil service employees based on competitive examinations, qualifications, and specialized skills rather than political connection

Pendleton Act

ended the political spoils system and established a merit-based system for selecting federal government worker

Appropriation

a law passed by Congress that provides federal agencies and programs with the legal authority to spend money from the U.S. Treasury

Regulation

rules established by federal bureaucratic agencies that have the force of law, specifying how broad statutes passed by Congress will be implemented, applied, and enforced

Iron triangle

a tight, mutually beneficial policy-making alliance among Congressional Committees/Subcommittees, Federal Bureaucratic Agencies, and interest groups/lobbyists

Issue network

a loose, temporary, and open coalition of individuals and groups that unite to push, debate, or influence a specific policy issue