AP GOV - Executive Branch (chapter 9)

line-item veto

partial veto of a law (ruled unconstitutional)

pocket veto

refusing to sign a bill so that the bill dies

executive order

issued by the president and have the force of law

executive agreements

international agreements that do not require senate approval

signing statement

written comments on a bill that indicate a president’s attitude towards it and how they plan to ignore or implement it

executive privilege

claim by presidents that they can decide if information can be kept from the public if it serves the best national interest

how to override presidential veto

2/3 vote in both houses of congress

when are congress and president most likely to agree?

the first term or when one party controls both branches

hatch act

prevents government employees from engaging in political activities while on duty or running for office

pendelton act

replaced spoils system with a merit system

cabinet departments

15 departments created to advise the president

independent executive agencies

departments with narrow focus areas not accounted for by cabinets (ex: NASA)

independent regulatory agencies

protect public interest (ex: FDA)

government corporations

created by congress to carry out business-like activities; generally charge for services (ex: US postal service)

iron triangles

alliances that occur between bureaucratic agencies, congressional committees, and interest groups

issue networks

groups who regularly discuss and advocate public policies; continually form and disband according to policy issues

delegated discretionary authority

allows agencies to interpret legislation based on their expertise

rule-making

allows agencies to write specific regulations that determine the implementation of public policy

securities and exchange commision (SEC)

regulates stock market and protects investors from fraud

congressional oversight

congress check on the bureaucracy; ability to hold hearings and conduct investigations