AP Gov unit 6 vocab

veto

The constitutional power of the president to refuse to sign a bill passed by Congress, preventing it from becoming law unless overridden by a two-thirds vote in both houses.

bureaucracy

A large, complex administrative structure of appointed officials that carries out the laws, policies, and daily functions of government.

executive order

A rule or regulation issued by the president that has the force of law, used to direct executive branch agencies without requiring congressional approval.

iron triangle

A mutually beneficial three-way alliance between a bureaucratic agency, an executive/congressional committee, and an interest group to shape policy.

policy agenda

The set of issues, problems, or subjects that government officials and political leaders pay serious attention to at any given time.

independent regulatory agency

A government agency created by Congress outside executive departments to regulate specific industries or economic interests (e.g., SEC, FCC).

independent executive agency

A federal agency established outside cabinet departments that performs specific administrative functions and reports directly to the president (e.g., NASA, EPA).

line-item veto

The power to strike down specific spending provisions in a bill without vetoing the entire measure; ruled unconstitutional for the president in Clinton v. City of New York.

executive agreement

An international agreement made by the president directly with a foreign government leader that carries the force of a treaty but does not require Senate ratification.

executive privilege

The implied executive power allowing the president and key advisors to withhold confidential communications from Congress or the courts to protect national interest.

honeymoon period

The early months of a new presidential administration when public approval, congressional cooperation, and media favorability are typically at their highest.

lame-duck period

The transitional timeframe between an election and the inauguration of a successor, during which an outgoing official's political power and influence are diminished.

issue network

An informal, fluid network of interest groups, policy experts, activists, congressional staff, and media who regularly debate and influence a specific policy area.

impeachment

The formal constitutional process by which the House of Representatives charges the president or other civil officers with "Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors."

pocket veto

A passive presidential veto occurring when Congress adjourns within 10 days of submitting a bill and the president takes no action on it.

presidential coattails

The tendency for popular presidential candidates to pull voters toward other candidates of the same party running for down-ballot offices.

government corporation

A government-owned entity established by Congress that operates like a private business to provide specific public services for a fee (e.g., U.S. Postal Service, Amtrak).

bureaucratic discretion

The authority granted to bureaucratic agencies to make choices and decide the best ways to implement and enforce legislative laws.

signing statements

Written pronouncements issued by the president upon signing a bill into law, expressing how the executive branch intends to interpret and enforce it.

regulation

Official rules, standards, and requirements issued by federal agencies under legislative authority to guide industry behavior and public policy execution.

deregulation

The reduction or elimination of federal government rules and restrictions on business activities, aiming to promote market competition.

cabinet

A advisory group chosen by the president, consisting of the heads of the 15 executive departments and other high-ranking government officials.

legislative veto

A provision where Congress claimed the authority to override an executive agency action or decision; ruled unconstitutional in INS v. Chadha.

22nd Amendment

Constitutional amendment limiting a president to serving a maximum of two terms or ten total years in office.

25th Amendment

Constitutional amendment establishing guidelines for presidential succession, filling vice presidential vacancies, and handling presidential disability.

War Powers Resolution

1973 law requiring the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of deploying military forces and limiting deployments to 60 days without congressional authorization.

Pendleton Civil Service Act

1883 federal law establishing the federal civil service system, replacing political patronage with a merit-based hiring and promotion process.

Hatch Act

Federal law prohibiting executive branch civil service employees from actively engaging in partisan political activities while on duty.

United States v. Nixon

Landmark Supreme Court case ruling that executive privilege is not absolute and cannot be used to withhold evidence in a criminal investigation.

Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

Executive branch office responsible for preparing the president's annual budget proposal, reviewing agency budget requests, and assessing legislative proposals.

Department of Homeland Security

Cabinet department created after 9/11 responsible for public security, border protection, emergency management, and anti-terrorism efforts.

Department of Defense

Cabinet department overseeing the armed forces, national defense policy, and military strategy.

Justice Department

Cabinet department led by the Attorney General responsible for enforcing federal laws, preventing crime, and administering federal justice.

State Department

Cabinet department responsible for managing foreign policy, conducting international relations, and operating U.S. embassies abroad.

Treasury Department

Cabinet department responsible for managing government revenue, printing currency, collecting federal taxes, and advising on financial policy.

Federalist No. 70

Foundational essay written by Alexander Hamilton arguing that a strong, energetic, single executive is essential for decisive leadership, accountability, and national security.