AP Government Unit 3: Presidential Powers, Executive Branch, and Federal Bureaucracy

Vocabulary flashcards covering presidential powers, the executive branch, and the federal bureaucracy for AP Government Unit 3.

Executive Branch

Branch of government responsible for enforcing laws, led by the president.

Formal (Enumerated) Powers

Powers explicitly granted to the president by the Constitution, such as vetoing bills, commanding the military, and appointing officials.

Informal Powers

Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but developed through tradition and presidential actions.

Treaty

Formal agreement between the U.S. and another country, negotiated by the president and approved by two-thirds of the Senate.

State of the Union Address

Annual presidential speech to Congress describing the nation's condition and proposing legislative priorities.

Veto

President's rejection of a bill passed by Congress. Congress can override it with a two-thirds vote in both chambers.

Pocket Veto

When the president does not sign a bill within 10 days (excluding Sundays) and Congress adjourns in a way that prevents its return, killing the bill.

Presidential Pardon

President's power to forgive someone for a federal offense, removing or reducing legal punishment.

Executive Privilege

President's claimed authority to keep certain executive branch communications confidential; not absolute.

Executive Agreement

Agreement between the president and a foreign government that does not require Senate treaty approval.

Signing Statement

Written statement issued by the president when signing a law, explaining their interpretation or intended enforcement of it.

Executive Order

Presidential directive managing executive branch operations that has legal force when based on constitutional or statutory authority.

War Powers Resolution

1973 law requiring the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of introducing troops into hostilities and generally withdraw them within 60 days without congressional authorization, with a possible 30-day withdrawal period.

Impeachment

Process of formally charging a federal official with misconduct. The House impeaches by majority vote, and the Senate can remove by a two-thirds conviction vote.

Executive Office of the President (EOP)

Group of offices and advisers that help the president develop and carry out policies, including the Office of Management and Budget.

Bargaining and Persuasion

President's use of negotiations and influence to convince lawmakers and other officials to support policies.

Bully Pulpit

President's ability to use public attention and the office's visibility to influence public opinion and political priorities.

Going Public

Presidential strategy of appealing directly to citizens to pressure Congress into supporting the president's agenda.

Federal Bureaucracy

Departments, agencies, and government employees responsible for implementing and administering federal laws and policies.

Bureaucrat

Government employee who carries out laws, regulations, and public policies.

Political Patronage

Giving government jobs to political supporters as rewards for loyalty rather than qualifications.

Pendleton Act

1883 law establishing a merit-based civil service system to reduce political patronage.