Presidential Powers
This type of agreement is made between the president and a foreign leader and doesn’t require Senate approval.
What is an executive agreement?
A large organization made up of appointed officials that carries out government functions.
What is a bureaucracy?
This amendment limits the president to two terms.
What is the 22nd Amendment?
When Congress reviews and investigates executive actions
What is congressional oversight?
A president who remains in office after losing reelection or reaching a term limit.
What is a lame duck?
A directive from the president that has the force of law but doesn’t need Congressional approval.
What is an executive order?
These government workers are hired based on merit and help run daily operations.
What is the civil service?
This amendment outlines presidential succession and disability.
What is the 25th Amendment?
When a bill fails because the president doesn’t sign it and Congress adjourns.
What is a pocket veto?
When opposing parties control different parts of government and can’t agree.
What is gridlock?
A statement issued by the president when signing a bill into law, explaining how it should be enforced.
What is a signing statement?
This group helps the president prepare the federal budget.
What is the Office of Management and Budget?
This act created a merit-based system for hiring government employees.
What is the Pendleton Act?
The president’s annual speech outlining legislative goals.
What is the State of the Union?
A group of experts and influencers who debate policy issues.
What is an issue network?
The president’s ability to influence public opinion using their visibility.
What is the bully pulpit?
These agencies, like the Federal Reserve, operate independently from Congress and the President.
What are Independent Regulatory Commissions?
This system ensures hiring and promotion based on ability, not political favors.
What is the merit system?
The ability of bureaucrats to make decisions not spelled out by law.
What is discretionary authority?
The president’s closest advisors who work directly in the White House.
What is the White House Staff?
The power to cancel specific parts of a bill, still used by governors but not allowed for presidents.
What is a line-item veto?
A government-run business, such as the U.S. Postal Service.
What is a government corporation?
The president can forgive a crime through this formal power.
What is a pardon?
A mutually beneficial relationship between an agency, a congressional committee, and an interest group.
What is an iron triangle?
The heads of the 15 executive departments who advise the president.
What is the Cabinet?