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Washington terms
The White House, agencies and the federal fight.
Checks and balances The constitutional design giving each branch of government ways to limit the others, so that no branch dominates. Deep state A contested term for a supposed network of unelected officials in government who are said to shape or resist the policies of elected leaders. Executive order A signed directive from the president that manages the operations of the federal government, carrying legal force within the executive branch. Executive privilege The president's qualified power to keep certain internal executive communications confidential from Congress and the courts. Government shutdown A lapse in federal appropriations that forces agencies to suspend non-essential operations until funding is restored. Impoundment A president's refusal to spend money Congress has appropriated, restricted by the Impoundment Control Act of 1974. Inspector general An independent official inside a federal agency who audits and investigates its programs and reports waste, fraud and abuse to Congress. Separation of powers The constitutional division of government into legislative, executive and judicial branches, each with its own distinct powers. Veto The president's power to reject a bill passed by Congress by returning it unsigned with objections.