Presidency
Presidential rejection of a bill passed by Congress; Congress may override with 2/3 majority in both chambers
Veto
15 departments directly accountable to President; largest agencies
Cabinet Departments
A stable policy-making relationship among a congressional committee, an interest group, and a federal agency
Iron Triangle
Trial courts; original jurisdiction; both civil and criminal cases; where federal trials begin; juries used here; 94 districts nationwide
U.S. District Courts (94)
Established judicial review — the Supreme Court's power to invalidate unconstitutional laws
Marbury v. Madison (1803)
When the President takes no action on a bill and Congress adjourns within 10 days — the bill dies
Pocket Veto
Created by Congress; operate outside Cabinet; some protection from presidential removal
Independent Agencies
A less rigid, more fluid policy community including think tanks, academics, journalists, and multiple interest groups
Issue Network
Appellate courts; review district court decisions; NO new evidence or witnesses; 3-judge panels; no juries; written briefs and oral arguments; decisions set circuit precedent
U.S. Courts of Appeals (13 Circuits)
Affirmed implied powers of Congress (Elastic Clause); federal law supremacy over state law
McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)
A presidential directive that has the force of law without Congressional approval (e.g., Truman's 1948 desegregation of the military)
Executive Order
Independent boards that make rules for specific industries; members serve fixed terms
Regulatory Commissions
Pre-civil service practice of rewarding political supporters with government jobs (replaced by merit system)
Spoils System
Highest court; primarily appellate jurisdiction; original jurisdiction in cases involving states or ambassadors; hears ~65-80 cases per year from ~8,000 petitions; decisions are binding on all lower courts
U.S. Supreme Court (9 Justices)
Declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional; overturned Plessy v. Ferguson
Brown v. Board of Education (1954)
The right of the President to withhold information from Congress, courts, and the public in the national interest
Executive Privilege
Business-like agencies providing services that could theoretically be private
Government Corporations
Created the civil service exam system, requiring merit-based hiring for federal positions
Pendleton Act (1883)
Limited executive privilege; President must comply with lawful court subpoenas
United States v. Nixon (1974)
An elected official who has lost an election or cannot run again, continuing to serve until the successor takes office
Lame Duck
A government employee who reports waste, fraud, or abuse within an agency; protected under federal law
Whistleblower
Corporate and union campaign spending is protected free speech under 1st Amendment
Citizens United v. FEC (2010)