presidency and bureaucracy part 2

Independent Regulatory Agencies

Federal regulatory agencies that are independent, thus not fully under the power of the president.

inherent powers

Powers that grow out of the very existence of government.

iron triangle

A close relationship between an agency, a congressional committee, and an interest group

issues network

a group of interest groups and people who work together to support a particular issue or policy

lame duck period

Elected official who remains in office for a brief period after a successor has been elected

legislative veto

The ability of Congress to override a presidential decision

line-item veto

to veto only a specific part of a bill

national security council

An agency in the Executive Office of the President that advises the president on national security.

office of management and budget

Federal agency that compiles and reviews budget figures on the President's behalf

office of personnel management

Agency that administers civil service laws, rules, and regulations and is in charge of hiring for most of the executive branch

patronage (spoils system)

Granting favors or giving contracts or making appointments to office in return for political support

Pendleton act

Law which began the process of transferring federal jobs from patronage to the merit system

pocket veto

president's power to kill a bill, if Congress is not in session, by not signing it for 10 days

presidential honeymoon

The first 100 days of a president's term, when first impressions are formed by voters.

presidential succession act

law specifying the order of presidential succession following the Vice President

recess appointments

a presidential appointment made without Senate confirmation while the Senate is in recess

red tape

Complex bureaucratic rules and procedures that must be followed to get something done

representative democracy

a form of democracy in which citizens elect officials to govern on their behalf

state of the union

an annual message delivered by the president of the United States to a joint session of the United States Congress

trustee approach

Elected does what public good requires, even if voters are skeptical

twelfth amendment

Required presidential electors to vote separately for president and vice president

twenty-second amendment

Ratified in 1951, this amendment limits presidents to two terms of office.

united states v. nixon

President doesn't have absolute right to refuse evidence for judiciary.

veto message

A statement sent to Congress by the president giving the reasons for vetoing a bill

war powers act

A law that limited the president's ability to deploy U.S. forces without congressional approval.

whistle blower protection act

Protects the identity and jobs of those who report on waste, fraud or abuse.

AMTRAK

National Railroad Passenger Corporation- the national passenger railroad company of the United States.

bureaucratic implementation

implementing, administering, and enforcing policies, laws, and regulations at the federal level - through departments, commissions, and government corporations

civil service system

A system of hiring and promotion based on the merit principle and the desire to create a nonpartisan government service.

commissions

to assign someone to an official task or role

committee hearings

House and Senate hold oversight hearings to address agency action, inaction, or their relationship with the agency

dept of defense

Includes all parts of the US military, and its mission is to protect the US around the world.

dept of education

Provides funding to schools and helps students pay for college.

dept of homeland security

Works to protect the country against terrorism and makes sure the borders are safe.

dept of justice

Works to enforce federal laws, prevent crime, and punish those convicted of crimes.

dept of state

Responsible for maintaining the relationships the US has with other countries.

dept of the treasury

Makes the money, tries to help the economy, and collects taxes.