The Executive Branch

Electoral College

A group of representatives from each state who formally elect the President and the Vice President of the United States. Each state has a number of electors based on its population

State of the Union Address

An annual speech delivered by the President to Congress, outlining the current situation of the country and proposed policies for the coming year

Civil Service system

A system that ensures government jobs are filled based on merit and qualifications rather than political connections. It helps maintain a professional and impartial workforce.

Ambassador

An official of a country sent to another country to manage diplomatic relations. Ambassadors work in embassies and help negotiate treaties and agreements

Bureaucracy

The administrative system governing any large institution, including government. It includes various departments and agencies the implement laws and policies.

Cabinet

A group of the Presidents' closest advisers, typically, the heads of the executive departments. The Cabinet helps the President make decisions and implement laws.

Commander in Chief

The role of the President as the supreme leader of the military forces. This position gives the President authority over military operations and decisions

The War Powers Act

A law that limits the president's ability to engage U.S. forces in hostilities without congressional approval. It requires the President to notify Congress within 48 hours of deploying troops

Line-item veto

the power of an executive authority to reject specific provisions of a bill without vetoing the bill. this power has been ruled unconstitutional for the president

National Convention

a gathering of a political party to nominate candidates for president and vice president. it also serves to unify the party and set the party platform

Pardon

The President's power to forgive an individual for a crime, effectively removing the penalties associated with that crime

Patronage

the practice of rewarding political supporters with government jobs or benefits. it can lead to favoritism and corruption if not managed properly

pocket veto

a special type of veto that occurs when the president does not sign a bill into law within ten days while congress is adjourned, effectively preventing the bill from becoming law

presidential primary

an election in which members of a political party vote to select their candidate for the general election. it plays a crucial role in determining party nominees

executive order

A directive issued by the president to manage the operations of the federal government. executive orders have the force of law and can be used to implement polices without congressional approval

executive privilege

the right of the president and other high-ranking officials to keep certain communications private, especially when related to national security or the performance of their duties

presidential succession

the order in which officials fill the office of president in case of vacancy. the line or succession includes the vice president, speaker of house, and others

impeach

the process by which a legislative body brings charges against a government official for misconduct. in the U.S., the house of reps can impeach the president, while the senate conducts

executive branch

The branch of government responsible for implementing and enforcing laws. it includes the president, vice president, cabinet, and various federal agencies

treaty

a formal agreement between 2 or more countries. treaties require the approval of 2/3s of the senate and are negotiated by the president