executive branch review

Chief of State

Symbol of the Nation.

Chief Executive

Leader of the Executive Branch, ensures laws are executed.

Chief Administrator

Main architect of US federal policy.

Chief Diplomat

Main architect of US Foreign Policy.

Commander in Chief

Head of the military, holds the power to declare war.

Chief Legislator

Influences the legislative process, signs or vetoes bills.

Chief of Party

Leader of his/her political party.

Chief Citizen

Represents and speaks for all citizens.

Presidential Succession

The order in which officials replace the president if he or she can no longer serve.

Presidential Succession Act of 1947

Law determining the line of presidential succession.

Presidential Electors

Individuals appointed to vote for the president and vice president.

Electoral College

Group that officially elects the President and Vice President.

Presidential primary

Election where political parties select their presidential candidates.

Proportional representation

System of electing delegates based on the proportion of votes received.

Electorate

All the people eligible to vote in an election.

Executive order

A directive issued by the President to manage the operations of the federal government.

Treaty

Formal agreement between two or more sovereign states, requiring Senate approval.

Executive Agreement

Pact between the President and a foreign head of state, does not require Senate approval.

Veto

The president's power to reject a bill passed by Congress.

Line-item veto

Power to reject specific provisions of a bill without vetoing the entire bill.

Pocket veto

An automatic veto taking place if the president does not sign a bill for 10 days.

Reprieve

Temporary relief or delay of legal punishment.

Pardon

Legal forgiveness of a crime.

Amnesty

Blanket pardon to a group of violators.

Commutation

Reduction of a prison sentence.

Bureaucracy

A large, complex organization that manages the day-to-day functions of government.

Executive Office of the President

The group of immediate staff and support personnel reporting to the President.

Federal budget

Government's financial plan for the upcoming fiscal year.

Domestic affairs

Issues and activities related to the country internally.

Executive departments

Main divisions of the federal government responsible for specific functions.

Cabinet

Advisors to the president consisting of heads of executive departments.

Independent agencies

Government organizations that operate outside of the executive departments.

Regulatory Agencies

Government bodies that enforce specific regulations and policies.

Spoils system

Practice of giving government jobs to political supporters.

Electoral College flaws

Issues with the representation and fairness in the electoral voting process.

Election by Popular vote

System where the candidate with the most votes wins.

National Bonus Plan

Proposal that adds extra votes to the Electoral College for the winner of the popular vote.

Types of Presidential Power

Executive, Diplomatic, Military, Legislative, and Judicial powers held by the President.

Ordinance Power

President's authority to issue executive orders to carry out constitutional duties.

Appointment Power

President's authority to nominate individuals for federal positions.

Diplomatic Powers

President's authority to negotiate treaties and recognize foreign nations.

Legislative Power

Authority to recommend legislation, veto bills, and call special sessions of Congress.

Judicial Powers

Powers related to legal forgiveness, including pardons and amnesty.

Presidential Bureaucracy

The complex structure handling administrative functions in an executive branch.

Executive departments and agencies

Components of the executive branch managing specific areas such as EPA, NASA, or SSA.