2.12-2.15 Vocabulary AP US Government

Federal bureaucracy

The system of agencies and departments that carry out and enforce national laws and policies.

Executive department

Large government units headed by Cabinet secretaries that focus on major policy areas like defense or education.

Executive agency

Smaller government organizations under the president that perform specific tasks, such as enforcing regulations or managing programs.

Independent regulatory agency/commission

Government bodies that make and enforce rules to protect the public in specific industries, free from direct presidential control.

Government corporation

Publicly owned organizations that provide services similar to private businesses, often charging fees (e.g., USPS, Amtrak).

Iron triangle

A strong, long-term relationship among congressional committees, bureaucratic agencies, and interest groups that shapes policy.

Issue network

A more flexible alliance of various individuals and groups who discuss and influence policy on specific issues.

Civil service

Professional government employees hired based on qualifications and exams rather than political connections.

Merit system

Hiring and promotion in government jobs based on ability and performance instead of favoritism.

Patronage

Granting government jobs or favors to political supporters or friends instead of using merit.

Discretionary power

The freedom given to government officials or agencies to decide how to carry out laws and make policy choices.

Rulemaking authority

The ability of government agencies to create detailed regulations that explain how laws will be implemented and enforced.

Department of Homeland Security

Cabinet-level office that protects the country from terrorism, manages border and immigration enforcement, safeguards cyberspace, and coordinates disaster response.

Department of Transportation

Cabinet-level office that sets and funds policy for highways, aviation, rail, and public transit, and enforces travel-safety rules.

Department of Veterans Affairs

Cabinet-level office that delivers medical care, disability payments, education aid, and burial services to former service members and their families.

Department of Education

Cabinet-level office that runs student-aid programs, collects national school data, sets priorities for K–12 and colleges, and enforces civil-rights rules in schools.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

National pollution regulator that sets air and water standards, oversees chemicals and hazardous waste, issues permits, and fines violators.

Federal Elections Commission (FEC)

Independent board that enforces campaign-finance law for national races by requiring donor disclosure, auditing committees, applying contribution limits, and penalizing violations.

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

Independent market watchdog that regulates stocks and bonds, requires public companies to share accurate financial reports, supervises brokers and trading venues, and prosecutes fraud and insider trading.

Congressional oversight

The process by which lawmakers monitor and review how the executive branch enforces laws and spends money.

Power of the purse

Congress’s authority to control government funding and influence policy by approving or cutting budgets.

Compliance monitoring

The process of checking whether government agencies or private groups are following laws and regulations correctly.