POTUS
Article II of the Constitution outlines what roles for the president?
Chief Executive
Commander in Chief
Diplomatic Leader
Legislative Leader
Chief of State
What is the purpose of the State of the Union Address?
Establish a legislative agenda, rally the party members, reach out to opponents, and influence public opinion
What does EOP stand for?
Executive Office of the President
What is the federal bureaucracy?
An administrative system of the Executive Branch which performs specific tasks in accordance with standard procedures.
Historically, what has contributed to the growth of the federal bureaucracy?
Wars, domestic crises, and the growth of our nation.
What role does the president have that gives him authority over the military?
Commander in Chief
What is the National Security Council?
It is the president's primary forum for coordinating the military and foreign policy among government agencies, created in 1947 during the "Cold War."
What are the two primary responsibilities of the Vice President?
To serve as the President of the Senate and replace the president if he is unable to serve.
What are three types of independent agencies.
Executive agencies, regulatory commissions, and government corporations?
Because of the power and size of the federal bureaucracy, it is often referred to as what?
The "fourth branch" of government
Who is the most powerful person on the White House staff?
The Chief of Staff
What is the Office of Management and Budget?
They prepare the federal budget and monitors government spending. All proposals must be approved by OMB.
Why was the Cabinet created by George Washington?
To assist the president in his constitutional duties and to advise him on areas of the government.
What are the three features of Government Bureaucracy?
1. Hierarchy - Distinct "chain of command" which increases efficiency
2. Job specialization - Each person has specific responsibilities and tasks
3. Standard Operating Procedures, SOPs that stay the same even if the person changes.
Who is responsible for overseeing the compliance with the law and financial appropriations for the bureaucracy?
Congress and the GAO, (Government Accountability Office)
What is the call sign for any Air Force aircraft transporting the president?
Air Force One
Who appoints Cabinet members, ambassadors, federal judges, and heads of the armed forces?
The President with confirmation by the US Senate
According to the 25th Amendment, what happens if the president is unable to serve?
The Vice President becomes president
What are government corporations?
They are like private businesses, except that the government owns and runs them. An example is the Postal Service.
What are the most frequent criticisms about the federal bureaucracy?
Waste, (the mismanagement of money, time, and personnel), "red tape," and "bureaucratese," which is vague, and wordy language.
What is the retreat center for the president located in the mountains of Maryland?
Camp David, named after Eisenhower's grandson
What was created by George W. Bush to deal with terrorist activities?
The Department of Homeland Security
The president cannot fulfill his responsibilities by himself. He must entrust tasks and authority to others. What do we call this leadership principle?
Delegation
What are the regulatory commissions?
Government agencies that protect the public by making and enforcing rules for certain industries;
EPA, USDA, FDA, FAA, FCC, SEC, are examples.
What are two ways that citizens can keep the federal bureaucracy accountable?
Through the FOIA and the Sunshine Act, citizens have access to information and bureaucratic actions, and access to agency officials.