The Executive Branch & Budget Process Key Terms

A collection of key terms and concepts related to the Executive Branch and Budget Process, covering various roles, powers, and legislation relevant to the President and executive operations.

Appointment power

The authority of the President to appoint judges, ambassadors, and other officials.

Bully Pulpit

The president's use of their platform to advocate for policies or engage public opinion.

Cabinet

A group of the President's top advisors, typically the heads of the executive departments.

Chief diplomat

The role of the President in managing foreign relations and treaties.

Chief executive

The President's role as the head of the executive branch, responsible for enforcing laws.

Civil service

A system that ensures government positions are filled based on merit rather than political affiliation.

Commander-in-Chief

The President's role as the leader of the armed forces.

Congressional Budget Act of 1974

Legislation establishing procedures for the federal budget process.

Congressional Budget Office (CBO)

A nonpartisan agency that provides economic data to Congress.

Continuing resolution

Legislation that allows the government to continue operating at current funding levels.

Deficit

The condition when government expenditures exceed revenue.

Discretionary spending

Government spending that is not mandated by law and can be adjusted annually.

Entitlement programs

Government programs guaranteeing access to certain benefits for eligible individuals.

Executive agreement

An international agreement made by the President without requiring Senate approval.

Executive branch

The branch of government responsible for implementing and enforcing laws.

Executive order

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

Executive privilege

The right of the President to withhold information from Congress or the courts.

Fiscal policy

Government decisions on taxation and spending to influence the economy.

Fiscal year

A year as reckoned for taxing or accounting purposes, not necessarily aligned with the calendar year.

Impeachment

The process of charging a federal official with wrongdoing, which may lead to removal from office.

Imperial presidency

A term used to describe a President's expansion of their power beyond constitutional limits.

Impoundment

The President's refusal to spend funds that have been appropriated by Congress.

Independent agencies

Federal organizations that operate independently of the executive departments.

Interest rate

The amount charged, expressed as a percentage, for the privilege of borrowing money.

Lame duck

An official, especially the President, during the period between election and the inauguration of a successor.

Line item veto

The power of an executive to veto specific provisions of a bill.

Mandatory spending

Expenditures that are required by existing law, such as Social Security.

Monetary policy

The process by which the monetary authority of a country controls the money supply.

Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

The Office that assists the President in preparing the federal budget and overseeing its administration.

Pardon

The President's power to forgive a person for a crime and cancel the penalty.

Patronage

The practice of granting government jobs and favors to political supporters.

Pocket veto

A special veto exercised by the President after Congress adjourns.

Red tape

Excessive bureaucracy or adherence to rules and formalities.

Schedule C job/Political Appointee

Positions in government obtained through political appointment rather than competitive processes.

Sequestration

Automatic spending cuts to federal programs.

Surplus

The condition when government revenue exceeds expenditures.

Term – President

The length of time a President is in office, typically four years.

Treaty

A formal agreement between countries that requires Senate approval.

Veto override

The process by which Congress can reverse a President's veto with a two-thirds majority in both chambers.

War Powers Resolution

A law intended to limit the President's ability to engage in military action without congressional approval.

White House staff

The group of advisors and assistants who work directly for the President.