Federal Bureaucracy
Who appoints the heads of cabinet departments?
The president
What is jurisdiction?
The type of disputes a court has the power to rule
What is social media?
This modern communication tool allows presidents to bypass traditional media and speak directly to the public in real time.
Which branch has the power to veto a bill passed by Congress?
The executive branch
What is the spoils system?
A system of public employment based on rewarding party loyalists and friends
What is the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court?
Original and appellate jurisdiction
What is the term for the president’s use of the media and public attention to influence policy and promote their agenda?
Bully Pulpit
What check does the Senate have on the President’s power to appoint federal judges?
The power to confirm or reject judicial appointments
What is Congressional oversight?
When Congress monitors and reviews the actions of federal agencies to ensure they comply with laws and operate effectively
What is loose constructionism? What is strict constructionism?
Loose constructionism: consider the Constitution as a living, evolving document
Strict constructionism: consider the Constitution in its exact words
What is the State of the Union Address?
This televised event allows the president to communicate directly with the public and Congress, outlining the administration’s legislative agenda.
Which branch can declare actions of the other two branches unconstitutional?
The Judicial Branch
What is delegated discretionary authority?
The ability of appointed officials to choose courses of action and to make policies that aren't spelled out by laws
What is judicial activism? What is judicial restraint?
Judicial activism is demonstrated when a court acts to establish policy and considers the broad effects of a decision on society
Judicial restraint is demonstrated when judges only struck down laws if they violate the words of the Constitution (assume that their role is not to make policies)
What is Article II, Section 3?
This section of the Constitution requires the president to "give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union."
Which constitutional power allows Congress to check the Executive Branch by controlling federal spending?
The power of the purse
What are the components of an iron triangle and how do they work together?
Congressional committees gives funding and legislation to bureaucracies, and oversight to interest groups
Federal bureaucracy executes policies of committees and interest groups
Interest groups gives electoral support in the form of PACs and donations to Congressional committee members and gives congressional support for the bureaucracy through lobbying Congress
What are the components of an iron triangle and how do they work together?
The interpretation of the justices, ideology makeup of the court
What is partisan gridlock?
This is the reason why direct presidential appeals to the public don't always lead to policy change, even with widespread media coverage.
How can Congress override a presidential veto?
By passing the bill again with a two-thirds majority in both the House and the Senate?