Executive Power and Bureaucracy

These flashcards cover key concepts related to executive power, the bureaucracy, and amendments affecting the presidential role in the U.S. government.

Power to remove executive officials

The authority of the president to designate and dismiss members of the executive branch.

Purpose of the Cabinet

To advise the president on matters relating to executive departments.

Government corporations

Agencies like NASA or USPS that operate like businesses funded by fees.

Who nominates the replacement if the vice presidency becomes vacant?

The president.

Executive agreement

A power that allows the president to make agreements without Senate approval.

Cabinet secretary

The group most likely subject to Senate confirmation.

Civil Service Reform Act of 1978

Created the Office of Personnel Management.

Signing statement

Another power allowing the president to make agreements without Senate approval.

Independent regulatory commission

An executive agency that is least likely to be influenced directly by the president.

Why did the spoils system decline?

Reform laws increased efficiency and fairness.

What factor most often increases presidential power?

National crisis.

War Powers Resolution

Requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of deploying troops.

Pocket veto

Differs from a regular veto because it cannot be overridden by Congress.

What influences how a member of Congress votes?

Constituent preferences.

Executive privilege as a check

Courts can limit its use.

Going public scenario

Holding a press conference to pressure Congress.

Senate 'advice and consent' applies to

Cabinet secretaries.

12th Amendment

Addressed problems involving electoral vote counting.

Government corporation

A business-like agency funded by fees.

GAO

Agency that works for Congress to investigate waste and spending.

Bureaucratic role in creating rules

Regulation.

20th Amendment

Reduced the lame-duck period.

25th Amendment

Allows the president to nominate a new Vice President.

Administrative discretion / discretionary authority

Ability of bureaucrats to decide how laws are implemented, not to make laws.

Office of Personnel Management (OPM)

An agency responsible for the management of the civil service.

Independent executive agency vs Independent regulatory commission

Executive agencies are independent from the Cabinet and closer to the president; regulatory commissions are independent from the president and regulate industries.

What does the 25th Amendment address?

The Vice President becomes President upon death, resignation, or removal.

12th Amendment

Separated ballots for president and vice president.