CHAPTER 14: THE PRESIDENCY and CHAPTER 15: The Bureaucracy

The flashcards cover key terms and definitions from Chapters 14 and 15, focusing on the Presidency and Bureaucracy.

Ad hoc structure

A structure where subordinates, cabinet officers, and committees report directly to the president on different matters.

Bully pulpit

The president's use of his prestige and visibility to guide or enthuse the American public.

Cabinet

The heads of the 15 executive branch departments of the federal government.

Circular structure

A structure where several of the president's assistants report directly to him.

Divided government

When one party controls the White House and another party controls one or both houses of Congress.

Electoral College

The people chosen to cast each state's votes in a presidential election.

Gridlock

The inability of the government to act because rival parties control different parts of the government.

Impeachment

Charges against a president approved by a majority of the House of Representatives.

Legislative veto

The authority of Congress to block a presidential action after it has taken place, though the Supreme Court has held that Congress does not have this power.

Line-item veto

An executive's ability to block a particular provision in a bill passed by the legislature.

Pocket veto

A bill fails to become law because the president did not sign it within 10 days before Congress adjourns.

Pyramid structure

A structure where a president's subordinates report to him through a clear chain of command headed by a chief of staff.

Signing statement

A presidential document that reveals what the president thinks of a new law and how it ought to be enforced.

Unified government

When the same party controls the White House and both houses of Congress.

Veto message

A message from the president to Congress stating that he will not sign a bill it has passed.

Appropriation

A legislative grant of money to finance a government program or agency.

Authorizing legislation

Legislative permission to begin or continue a government program or agency.

Bureaucracy

A large, complex organization composed of appointed officials.

Committee clearance

The ability of a congressional committee to review and approve certain agency decisions in advance and without passing a law.

Competitive service

The government offices to which people are appointed on the basis of merit determined by a written examination or by meeting certain selection criteria.

Discretionary authority

The extent to which appointed bureaucrats can choose courses of action and make policies that are not spelled out in advance by laws.

Iron triangle

A close relationship between an agency, a congressional committee, and an interest group.

Issue network

A network of people in Washington, DC based in interest groups, on congressional staffs, in universities and think tanks, and in the mass media who regularly discuss and advocate public policies.

Laissez-faire

An economic theory that government should not regulate or interfere with commerce.

Red tape

Complex bureaucratic rules and procedures that must be followed to get something done.

Trust funds

Funds for government programs that are collected and spent outside the regular government budget.