Presidency and Bureaucracy

Veto

President’s formal rejection of a bill.

Pocket veto

A bill dies because the president does not sign it before Congress adjourns.

Executive order

A directive from the president that manages the executive branch.

Signing statement

A written comment from the president about a law being signed.

Bully pulpit

The president’s use of public attention to influence policy.

Cabinet

Advisors who lead executive departments.

Executive agreement

An agreement between the president and another country that does not need Senate approval.

Treaty

A formal international agreement that requires Senate approval.

Commander in chief

The president’s role as head of the military.

Bureaucracy

Agencies and departments that carry out laws and policies.

Discretionary authority

Power bureaucrats have to choose how to apply rules.

Rulemaking

Creating detailed regulations to carry out laws.

Implementation

Putting a law or policy into effect.

Iron triangle

Working relationship among bureaucracies interest groups and congressional committees.

Issue network

A loose group of people and organizations involved in a policy area.