Executive Branch Structure, Powers, and Bureaucratic Function

Unitary Executive

A doctrine that argues for a single president instead of a committee, ensuring energy in government.

Veto Power

The President's ability to reject bills passed by Congress, which Congress can override with a 2/3 vote.

Pocket Veto

Occurs when the President takes no action on a bill for 10 days while Congress is adjourned, causing the bill to die.

Commander in Chief

The President's role as head of the armed forces, with Congress holding the power to declare war.

Treaties

Formal agreements with foreign nations that require Senate ratification by a 2/3 vote.

Appointments

The President's power to nominate judges, cabinet members, and ambassadors, requiring Senate confirmation.

Pardons

The President's authority to forgive federal crimes, excluding cases of impeachment.

Executive Orders

Directives issued by the President to manage the federal bureaucracy without congressional approval.

Executive Agreements

International agreements made by the President that do not require Senate ratification.

Signing Statements

Comments issued by the President when signing a bill into law, indicating they may not enforce certain provisions.

Executive Privilege

The President's right to keep communications with advisors confidential to ensure candid advice.

Bully Pulpit

The President’s ability to use their prestige to influence public opinion and legislative agenda.

State of the Union

A constitutionally mandated annual speech by the President to set policy priorities for the year.

Bureaucracy

The collection of government agencies, departments, and commissions that implement and enforce federal laws.

Cabinet Departments

The 15 major departments in the executive branch, led by Secretaries appointed by the President.

Independent Regulatory Commissions

Agencies that create industry rules and whose members cannot be easily removed by the President.

Government Corporations

Agencies that provide services that could be provided by private entities but are government-run.

Discretionary Authority

The power of bureaucrats to choose actions and make policies not explicitly outlined by law.

Rule-Making

The process by which bureaucracies create regulations to implement federal statutes.

Power of the Purse

Congress's authority to determine budgets for federal agencies and control funding.

Committees Hearings

Sessions where Congress summons agency heads to testify about their performance.

Iron Triangles

Stable, mutually beneficial relationships between bureaucratic agencies, congressional committees, and interest groups.

Issue Networks

Fluid and temporary relationships among diverse stakeholders discussing specific policy issues.

Impeachment

The process of charging a government official, initiated by the House of Representatives.

Removal

The process of removing a President from office after a trial in the Senate, requiring a 2/3 vote.

Cabinet Loyalty

The often divided loyalty of Cabinet secretaries to the President, their departments, and Congress.