Untitled Flashcards Set

Article II - Establishes the executive branch, outlining presidential powers and responsibilities.

Grounds for impeachment - Includes treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors.

Lame-duck president - A president nearing the end of their term with limited influence.

Presidential Policy Agenda - The set of priorities and goals the president seeks to achieve.

Formal Presidential Powers - Constitutionally granted powers such as vetoing bills and appointing officials.

Informal Presidential Powers - Non-constitutional powers like executive orders and setting the policy agenda.

War Powers Resolution - Limits the president’s ability to deploy troops without congressional approval.

Legislative Veto - Congressional power to nullify executive actions, ruled unconstitutional in INS v. Chadha (1983).

Veto - Presidential rejection of a bill passed by Congress.

Pocket Veto - Indirect veto by not signing a bill before Congress adjourns.

Commander-in-Chief - The president's role as head of the U.S. military.

Executive Agreement - An international agreement made by the president without Senate approval.

Executive Order - A directive issued by the president that has the force of law.

Executive Privilege - The president’s right to withhold information from Congress or the judiciary.

Signing Statements - Comments issued by the president when signing a bill, often indicating how it should be enforced.

The Cabinet - Presidential advisors heading executive departments.

White House Staff - Personal aides and advisors to the president.

Federalist #70 - Hamilton’s argument for a strong, single executive.

Twentieth Amendment - Moved presidential inauguration from March to January.

Twenty-Second Amendment - Limits the president to two terms.

Twenty-Fifth Amendment - Establishes procedures for presidential succession and disability.

State of the Union Address - Annual presidential speech outlining national priorities.

Bully Pulpit - The president’s use of their position to influence public opinion.

National Security Council (NSC) - Advises the president on foreign and military policy.

Council of Economic Advisors (CEA) - Provides economic analysis and policy recommendations.

Office of Management & Budget (OMB) - Prepares the federal budget and oversees spending.

White House Chief of Staff - The president’s top advisor and manager of the White House Office.

White House Press Secretary - Communicates the president’s message to the media.

White House Office - The president’s closest advisors and assistants.

Federal Bureaucracy - The agencies and employees executing federal laws.

Cabinet Departments - Major administrative units responsible for specific areas (e.g., State, Defense, Treasury).

Independent Regulatory Agencies - Agencies regulating specific economic or social interests (e.g., SEC, FCC).

Government Corporations - Businesses run by the government (e.g., USPS, Amtrak).

Iron Triangles - Alliances between agencies, congressional committees, and interest groups that influence policy.

Issue Networks - Looser coalitions of interest groups, academics, and media influencing policy.

Patronage - Appointing government jobs based on political loyalty.

Spoils System - Practice of rewarding political supporters with public offices.

Civil Service System - Hiring based on merit rather than political affiliation.

Merit System - System ensuring government jobs are awarded based on qualifications.

Pendleton Civil Service Act (1883) - Established the merit-based system for federal employment.

Hatch Act (1939) - Limits political activities of government employees.

Discretionary Authority - Bureaucrats' power to interpret and implement laws.

Rule-Making Authority - Bureaucratic agencies' ability to create binding regulations.

Red Tape - Excessive bureaucracy causing inefficiency.

Bureaucratic Implementation - The process of enforcing and executing laws.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - Regulates environmental policies.

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) - Oversees financial markets.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) - Regulates broadcast and telecommunications.