Executive Branch & Elections

These flashcards cover key definitions and significant concepts related to the Executive Branch and the Elections process in the United States.

Executive Orders

Formal directives issued by the president that have the force of law for executive agencies. Allow the president to act quickly without Congress, expanding executive power.

Veto Power

The president’s constitutional authority to reject legislation passed by Congress. Serves as a check on congressional power and shapes legislation.

Commander in Chief

The president’s role as head of the U.S. armed forces. Gives the president major influence over military and foreign policy.

Executive Privilege

The president’s power to withhold information from Congress or courts. Protects confidential decision-making but can limit oversight.

Iron Triangles

Stable relationships between congressional committees, bureaucratic agencies, and interest groups. Can lead to policy decisions that favor special interests over the public.

Issue Networks

Loose connections of experts, interest groups, and policymakers focused on specific issues. Make policymaking more open but less predictable.

Executive Office of the Presidency (EOP)

Agencies that assist the president in executing laws and policies. Increases the president’s ability to manage the executive branch.

Chief of Staff

The president’s top aide who manages White House operations. Controls access to the president and shapes decision-making.

National Security Advisor

Senior official advising the president on national security. Influences foreign and military policy without Senate confirmation.

National Security Council (NSC)

Advisory body coordinating national security and foreign policy. Centralizes foreign policy decision-making in the White House.

Cabinet

Heads of executive departments who advise the president. Helps the president manage complex federal responsibilities.

Independent Executive Agencies

Agencies outside cabinet departments with specialized functions. Allow focused expertise but reduce direct presidential control.

Regulatory Agencies

Agencies that create and enforce rules affecting industries. Protect the public interest by regulating business practices.

Executive Corporations

Government-owned businesses that provide public services. Combine public accountability with business efficiency.

Self Announcement

A candidate’s public declaration to run for office. Officially begins a campaign and allows fundraising.

Invisible Primary

The early campaign phase before voting begins. Often determines which candidates are viable.

Caucus

A meeting where party members select candidates. Encourages participation but often has low turnout.

Primary

An election to choose a party’s nominee.  Gives voters direct influence over nominations.

Open Primary

A primary allowing voters to choose either party’s ballot. Increases participation but can allow crossover voting.

Closed Primary

A primary limited to registered party members. Strengthens party control over nominations.

Super Tuesday

A day when many states hold primaries simultaneously. Can quickly decide the party nominee.

Nominating Convention

A party meeting to officially choose its nominee.  Unifies the party and launches the general election campaign.

Running Mate

The vice-presidential candidate. Helps balance the ticket and attract voters.

Delegate (pledged/bound)

Delegates required to support a specific candidate. Reflects voters’ choices at conventions.

Delegate (unpledged/unbound)

Delegates free to support any candidate. Give party elites influence over nominations.

Super Delegate

Unpledged delegates who are party leaders. Can affect close nomination contests.

Brokered Convention

A convention without a majority winner on the first ballot. Shows party division and reduces nominee legitimacy

Dark Horse Candidate

An unexpected candidate who gains momentum. Demonstrates unpredictability in elections.

Swing States

States with competitive elections. Often decide presidential elections.

Exit Polls

Surveys of voters after voting. Help explain voter behavior and predict outcomes.

Electoral College

The system of electors who formally elect the president. Can allow a candidate to win without the popular vote.

Certificate of Ascertainment

Official document listing a state’s electors. Ensures accurate and legal electoral vote counting.

23rd Amendment

Grants Washington, D.C. electoral votes. Expands democratic participation.

Faithless Electors

Electors who vote against their pledge. Raise concerns about the reliability of the Electoral College.

Lame Duck Period

Time between election and inauguration. Limits accountability of outgoing officials.

Congressional Certification

Congress’s official counting of electoral votes. Final step in confirming the election results.

20th Amendment

Sets presidential inauguration on January 20. Shortens the lame duck period.

Inauguration Day

Day the president is sworn in. Marks the peaceful transfer of power.

Mandate

A claim that election results support a president’s policies. Used to justify policy initiatives.

First 100 Days

Early period of a presidency. Sets the tone and agenda for the administration.