Study Guide for the Presidency and Bureaucracy PDF

Study Guide for the Presidency and Bureaucracy Constitutional Requirements of President Must be at least 35 years old. Must be a natural-born citizen of the United States. Must have been a resident of the United States for at least 14 years. EOP (Executive Office of the Presiden...

Study Guide for the Presidency and Bureaucracy Constitutional Requirements of President Must be at least 35 years old. Must be a natural-born citizen of the United States. Must have been a resident of the United States for at least 14 years. EOP (Executive Office of the President) Offices and Responsibilities Office of Management and Budget (OMB): Prepares the federal budget, oversees its implementation, and evaluates the effectiveness of federal programs. National Security Council (NSC): Advises the President on national security and foreign policy matters. Council of Economic Advisers (CEA): Provides economic analysis and advice. Office of the U.S. Trade Representative: Handles international trade negotiations. Sources of Presidential Power Constitutional powers outlined in Article II. Statutory powers granted by Congress. Inherent powers implied by the Constitution. Public opinion and mandate from elections. Checks President Has on Congress Veto power over legislation. Ability to call special sessions of Congress. Proposing legislation and budgets. Executive orders to bypass legislative gridlock. War Powers Resolution of 1973 Limits the President's ability to engage U.S. forces in hostilities without Congressional approval. Requires the President to notify Congress within 48 hours of deploying troops. Mandates withdrawal of forces within 60 days unless Congress authorizes an extension. Presidential Approval Ratings  Typically high during national crises ("rally around the flag" effect). Low during economic downturns, scandals, or prolonged unpopular wars. Historically, approval ratings are highest early in a presidency ("honeymoon period"). Arthur Schlesinger’s Imperial Presidency Refers to a President who uses powers beyond what the Constitution allows. Highlights unchecked executive authority, especially in foreign policy and war-making. Limits on Presidential Control of the Cabinet & Bureaucratic Agencies Senate confirmation required for Cabinet appointments. Civil service protections for bureaucrats limit firing or political interference. Agencies operate with significant independence. Policy Areas Usually Dominated by President Foreign policy and national security. Economic policy, especially in proposing budgets. Emergency management and disaster response. Foreign Policy The President’s role includes negotiating treaties, appointing ambassadors, and serving as Commander-in-Chief. Presidential Use of the Media Direct communication to shape public opinion (e.g., press conferences, social media). Use of media to push policy agendas and respond to crises. Line-Item Veto Allows the President to veto specific provisions of a bill without rejecting the entire bill. Declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 1998. How Often Presidents Veto Bills and/or Congress Overrides a Veto Presidents use vetoes sparingly; approximately 1,500 total since Washington. Congress overrides about 7% of vetoes. Electoral College System  Each state’s electors equal its Congressional representation. Candidate needs 270 of 538 electoral votes to win. Critics argue it can result in a President winning without the popular vote. How White House Staff Differs from Cabinet White House Staff: Appointed by the President without Senate confirmation; focuses on advising the President directly. Cabinet: Heads of federal departments; require Senate confirmation and manage specific agencies. Difference Between Executive Agreements and Treaties Executive Agreements: Do not require Senate approval; often used in foreign policy. Treaties: Require two-thirds Senate approval and are legally binding. OMB Responsibilities Drafts the federal budget. Monitors agency spending. Reviews proposed regulations and executive orders. Constitutional Powers of President Commander-in-Chief of armed forces. Power to grant pardons and reprieves. Make treaties (with Senate approval). Appoint federal officials (with Senate confirmation). Convene and adjourn Congress in special cases. 22nd Amendment Limits the President to two terms or a maximum of 10 years in office. 25th Amendment Clarifies presidential succession. Allows the Vice President and Cabinet to declare a President unable to perform duties. Provides procedures for filling a vacant Vice Presidency. Definition of Bureaucracy A system of managing government through departments staffed by non-elected officials. Best Indicator of Bureaucratic Agency Budgets The previous year’s budget allocations. Congressional appropriations process. Characteristics of Independent Regulatory Agencies Operate independently from executive control. Governed by boards or commissions. Responsible for enforcing specific regulations (e.g., economic, environmental). Examples of Independent Regulatory Agencies Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Iron Triangle Relationships Interaction between bureaucratic agencies, congressional committees, and interest groups to influence policy and decision-making. Differences Between Cabinet Departments and Independent Regulatory Agencies Cabinet Departments: Headed by Secretaries who report to the President; focus on broader administrative functions. Independent Agencies: Operate with autonomy; focus on specialized regulatory tasks. Red Tape Excessive or complex regulations and procedures that slow decision-making and action. Checks Congress Has on Executive Branch Bureaucratic Agencies Power of the purse (budget control). Oversight hearings and investigations. Legislation to modify or limit agency powers.