Executive Branch and Bureaucracy

Flashcards covering key concepts related to the Executive Branch and Bureaucracy.

Executive Branch

The branch of government responsible for enforcing laws, headed by the President.

Formal Presidential Powers

Powers explicitly granted to the president in the Constitution, such as vetoing laws and serving as commander in chief.

Informal Presidential Powers

Powers not written in the Constitution but used by presidents, like issuing executive orders or negotiating agreements.

Treaty

A formal agreement between countries that requires Senate approval.

Executive Agreement

An agreement between the president and another country that does not require Senate approval.

State of the Union

An annual address given by the president to Congress outlining goals and national conditions.

Veto/Pocket Veto

A veto rejects a bill; a pocket veto occurs when the president takes no action and Congress adjourns within 10 days.

Presidential Pardon

The president’s power to forgive a person for a federal crime.

Executive Privilege

The president’s ability to keep certain communications confidential.

Signing Statement

A written comment issued by the president when signing a bill, often explaining interpretation.

Executive Order

A directive from the president that manages operations of the federal government.

War Powers Resolution

A law limiting the president’s ability to deploy troops without congressional approval.

Impeachment

The process by which Congress can remove a president from office for misconduct.

Executive Office of the President

A group of agencies that support the president in executing duties.

Bargaining and Persuasion

The president’s ability to influence Congress and others to achieve policy goals.

Bully Pulpit

The president’s platform to promote ideas and influence public opinion.

Going Public

When the president appeals directly to citizens for support.

Imperial Presidency

A term describing a presidency that has become too powerful.

Chief Executive

Role of enforcing laws.

Chief Diplomat

Role of managing foreign relations.

Chief Legislator

Role of influencing lawmaking.

Commander in Chief

Role as head of the military.

Lame Duck Presidency

The period when a president is nearing the end of their term and has reduced influence.

Federal Bureaucracy

The administrative agencies that implement government policies.

Red Tape

Excessive regulation or bureaucracy that slows processes.

Bureaucrat

A government official working within the bureaucracy.

Political Patronage

Hiring based on political loyalty.

Pendleton Act

A law that established the merit-based civil service system.

Federal Civil Service

Government jobs filled based on merit rather than political connections.

Merit System

Hiring based on qualifications and performance.

Congressional Oversight

Congress’s role in monitoring the bureaucracy.

Discretionary Authority

The ability of bureaucrats to make decisions within guidelines.

Rule-making Authority

The power to create regulations.

Regulation

Rules made by agencies to implement laws.

Enforcement

Ensuring laws and regulations are followed.

Implementation

Putting laws into action.

Bureaucratic Discretion

Flexibility bureaucrats have in decision-making.

Bureaucratic Adjudication

Resolving disputes within agencies.

Government Corporation

A government-run business providing services.

Independent Regulatory Agencies

Agencies independent from executive control that regulate industries.

Iron Triangle

A stable relationship between Congress, bureaucracy, and interest groups.

Issue Network

A loose network of individuals and groups working on policy issues.

Entitlement Programs

Government programs that guarantee benefits to eligible individuals.

Mandatory Spending

Required government spending by law.

Discretionary Spending

Spending that Congress can adjust annually.

Budget Surplus

When government revenue exceeds spending.

Budget Deficit

When government spending exceeds revenue.

National Debt

The total amount the government owes.

Budget Process

The steps used to create the federal budget.

Office of Management and Budget

An executive office that helps prepare the federal budget.

Federalist No. 70

An essay arguing for a strong, energetic executive led by a single president.