Executive Branch Vocabulary Flashcards

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to the Executive Branch.

Executive Branch

The branch of government responsible for implementing and enforcing laws.

Electoral College

A body of electors established by the Constitution to elect the President and Vice President.

Electorate

All the eligible voters in a given area.

Presidential succession

The order in which officials fill the office of President in case of a vacancy.

Cabinet

A group of advisors to the President formed by the heads of the executive departments.

Administration

The officials in the executive branch of government under a particular President.

War Powers Act

A law that restricts the President's power to commit U.S. forces to armed conflict without congressional approval.

Executive Agreement

An agreement made between the President and a foreign government that does not require Senate approval.

Treaty

A formal agreement between two or more countries that requires Senate approval.

Executive Order

A directive issued by the President that manages the operations of the federal government.

Executive Privilege

The right of the President to withhold information from Congress or the courts.

Line Item Veto

The power of the President to reject specific provisions of a bill without vetoing the entire bill.

Pocket Veto

A special veto exercised by the President after Congress adjourns, resulting in the bill not becoming law.

Pardon

A governmental decision to allow a person to be relieved of some or all of the legal consequences of a crime.

Reprieve

An official postponement of the execution of a sentence.

Amnesty

A general pardon for individuals who have committed political offenses.

Public Policy

The principles on which social laws are based.

Fiscal Year

A year as reckoned for taxing or accounting purposes.

Monetary Policy

The management of money supply and interest rates by central banks.

Secretary of State

The head of the U.S. Department of State, responsible for foreign affairs.

Attorney General

The head of the U.S. Department of Justice, responsible for enforcing the law.

Secret Service

A federal agency tasked with protecting the President and investigating counterfeiting.

FBI

Federal Bureau of Investigation; a domestic intelligence and security service.

CIA

Central Intelligence Agency; the U.S. government agency responsible for intelligence gathering.

Bureaucracy

A system of government in which most of the important decisions are made by state officials rather than elected representatives.

Commander-in-Chief

The role of the President as the supreme leader of the military.

Department of Justice

The federal executive department responsible for enforcing federal laws.