Back to FlashcardsLaw / AP Government Amendments and Concepts Part 6
The Cabinet
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Key Terms
Term
Definition
The Cabinet
Group of important advisors to the President (Heads of Department agencies, VP and other VIPs chosen by president). Created by Washington, example of ...
Vice President
Back-up president. Only constitutional role = President of Senate & casts tie-breaker vote in Senate. Typically selected to increase odds in election ...
Executive Office of the President (EOP)
Ten organizations that advise the President. Includes the Office of Management and Budget, the Council of Economic Advisors, and National Security Cou...
White House Office
EOP group that includes the President's most trusted personal advisors (led by White House Chief of Staff); members do not need senate confirmation
Office of Management and Budget
EOP agency that helps the President prepare annual budget proposal and evaluates budget priorities and effectiveness of federal agencies (oversight)
Council of Economic Advisors
EOP agency; three economists who advise president about general economic date, issues and policy proposals. Must be confirmed by senate.
Related Flashcard Decks
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
The Cabinet | Group of important advisors to the President (Heads of Department agencies, VP and other VIPs chosen by president). Created by Washington, example of an informal amendment to the Constitution based on custom / tradition. |
Vice President | Back-up president. Only constitutional role = President of Senate & casts tie-breaker vote in Senate. Typically selected to increase odds in election (Biden experience & foreign policy; Palin youth & Tea Party) |
Executive Office of the President (EOP) | Ten organizations that advise the President. Includes the Office of Management and Budget, the Council of Economic Advisors, and National Security Council. Top positions must be confirmed by Senate. |
White House Office | EOP group that includes the President's most trusted personal advisors (led by White House Chief of Staff); members do not need senate confirmation |
Office of Management and Budget | EOP agency that helps the President prepare annual budget proposal and evaluates budget priorities and effectiveness of federal agencies (oversight) |
Council of Economic Advisors | EOP agency; three economists who advise president about general economic date, issues and policy proposals. Must be confirmed by senate. |
National Security Counsel | Consults with the president on matters of defense and foreign policy. |
White House Management Styles | Pyramidal (with Chief of Staff) or Spokes and Hub style (less reliance on Chief of Staff) |
Patronage System | AKA Spoils System. Filling government bureaucracy based on connections & political favors not merit (cronyism); ended by Pendleton Act (1883) |
Civil Service | Government bureaucracy; non-elected agents ("worker bees") that work for executive agencies to execute the law; hierarchical organization, job specialization, detailed rules & procedures, administrative discretion. Massive growth since New Deal & WWII (2.5m people = nation's largest employer) |
Plum Book | A list of good-paying (sweet) jobs that the new president can fill by appointment (agency directors and other VIPs) |
Cabinet Departments | The fifteen largest and most influential agencies of the federal bureaucracy (e.g., Department of State, Treasury, Justice...) Headed by Secretary or Attorney General (Department of Justice) |
Independent Regulatory Commissions | Independent agencies created by Congress to regulate important aspects of the nation's economy. Commissioners appointed by President but not removable except "for cause" (to protect independence). Most independent and least accountable part of the federal bureaucracy. |
Independent Executive Agencies | Federal agencies that aren't large or important enough to get department status. Directors appointed by President w/ advice & consent of Senate. Ex. NASA, CIA, EPA |
Government Corporations | A government organization that, like regular corporations, provides a service to the public and typically charges for its services. The U.S. Postal Service is an example. Privatization would abolish GCs. |
Continuing Resolution | A emergency budget extension measure that Congress passes when a full budget law has not been completed by the beginning of the new fiscal year (October 1). Avoids government shutdown. |
Line-Item Veto | Allows president to veto bad parts of a bill but keep the rest. Like a scalpel. Especially useful for cutting out pork from spending bills. Declared unconstitutional (impermissibly changed the detailed law-making process established in Article I) |
President as Party Leader | POTUS is the symbolic leader of his party. Acts as party's chief spokesperson to the public & sets party's legislative agenda (bully pulpit) |
Honeymoon Period | The short period (days or months) following an election when a president's popularity and ability to influence Congress is at its highest. |
Bully Pulpit | The Presidency is a "bully pulpit" - a good position from which to inspire Congress & the nation, with the help of the media, to follow his political agenda. Example = FDR's fireside chats, Obama's televised State of the Union Address... |
Rally Effect | Short-term patriotic increase in president's popularity and power during times of serious international crisis or war (e.g. Bush after 9/11) |
War Powers Act | A law passed in 1973 after Vietnam fiasco requiring (1) president to notify Congress within 48 hours of sending troops into combat and (2) begin to remove troops after 60 days unless Congress approves of the action. Limited effort to reverse erosion of Congress' war powers since World War II (last formal declaration of war). |
Executive Agreement | Non-treaty agreement between the U.S. president and other nations that does not require Senate ratification (but is not binding on future presidents). Since 1939, executive agreements have comprised more than 90% of the international agreements (because senate ratification is a real drag!) |
Social Conservatism | Government should protect "traditional" (Christian) views on marriage, gender roles, & social issues. Oppose gay marriage, legalization of drugs, abortion. |
Veto Process | President may veto any bill by returning it to Congress with explanation. Congress can override with 2/3 vote in both houses (very hard to do) |