Ch. 11 U.S Government Vocab

Cabinet

The president's closest advisers, consisting of the vice president, the secretaries of each of the 15 executive departments, and other top government officials who help the president make decisions and policy

Leak

To release secret information to the media by anonymous government officials

National Security Advisor

The director of the National Security Council (NSC)

White House Chief Of Staff

The president's most trusted adviser and the overseer of the work and operations of the White House and the Executive Office of the President (EOP)

Press Secretary

One of the president's top assistants who is in charge of media relations

Ambassador

An official of the government who represents the nation in diplomatic matters

Embassy

The official residence and offices of the ambassador and his or her staff; the primary function is to make diplomatic communication between governments easier

Government Corporation

A business that the federal government runs

Spoils system

Victorious politicians rewarding their supporters with government jobs

Civil Service System

Government employment based on competitive examinations and merit

Whistleblower

A federal employee who reports corruption or wrongdoing by the government

Recuse

To remove oneself from participation to avoid a conflict of interest

Public Policy

A plan of action adopted by government decision makers to solve a problem or reach a goal

Bureaucrat

One who works for a department or agency of the federal government; civil servant

Liaison Officer

An officer who develops relationships with the elected officials and congressional staff members who have authority over the work of his or her department

Stake Holder

A private citizen or other who will be affected by potential rules and regulations

Injunction

An order that will stop an action or enforce a rule or regulation

Client Group

Individuals and groups who work with a government agency and are most affected by its decisions

Iron Triangle

A relationship formed among government agencies, congressional committees, and client groups that work together

Deregulate

To remove regulation

Red Tape

Overly burdensome regulations and requirements