United States Government Checks and Balances and Bureaucracy

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the constitutional checks and balances between the three branches of the U.S. government and the federal bureaucracy based on lecture notes.

Override veto

The power of the legislative branch to bypass a presidential veto with a $2/3$ vote in each house.

Oversight hearings

Legislative proceedings used to monitor and evaluate the activities of the executive branch and its agencies.

House of Representatives (Impeachment)

The branch of Congress that has the power to impeach the president or federal judges with a $1/2$ majority vote.

Senate (Impeachment Jury)

The body responsible for conducting the trial to convict or acquit an impeached president or federal judge, requiring a $2/3$ majority for conviction.

Treaty Ratification

The constitutional power of the Senate to approve international treaties by a $2/3$ majority.

Presidential Appointment Approval

The Senate's authority to confirm executive and judicial nominees by a $1/2$ majority.

Legislative checks on Federal Courts

Congress can change the number and jurisdiction of federal courts, set lower court jurisdictions, and change the number of justices on the Supreme Court.

Executive Veto

An executive check on the legislative branch where the president refuses to sign a bill into law.

Bully pulpit

The president’s ability to use the visibility of their office to speak directly to the people to influence policy.

Executive orders

Directives issued by the president to manage the operations of the federal government.

Executive agreements

International agreements made by the president that do not require Senate ratification.

Judicial review

The power of the judiciary to examine the actions of the legislative and executive branches and determine their constitutionality.

Pardon power

An executive check on the judicial branch allowing the president to forgive a crime or commute a sentence.

Bureaucratic discretion

Power given to agencies by Congress to implement laws using their judgment.

Bureaucratic rulemaking

The process where agencies create regulations needed to carry out laws.

Executive checks on Bureaucracy

The president can appoint and remove agency heads, reorganize the bureaucracy, change an agency's budget, adjust policies, and issue executive orders.

Legislative checks on Bureaucracy

Congress can pass laws to alter activities, abolish programs, reduce funding, conduct oversight, and confirm bureaucratic appointments.

Vote Requirement: Pass a law

Requires a $1/2$ majority in both the Senate and the House.

Vote Requirement: Elect president

Requires at least $1/2$ of the electoral votes, totaling $270$.