Chapter 12 Terminology

Question 1

Whig Theory

Answer 1

A theory that prevailed in the nineteenth century and held that the presidency was a limited or restrained office whose occupant was confined to expressly granted constitutional authority.

Question 2

Stewardship Theory

Answer 2

A theory that argues for a strong, assertive presidential role, with presidential authority limited only at points specifically prohibited by law.

Question 3

Open Party Caucuses

Answer 3

Meetings at which a party’s candidates for nomination are voted on and that are open to all the party’s rank-and-file voters who want to attend.

Question 4

Momentum (in campaigns)

Answer 4

A strong showing by a candidate in early presidential nominating contests, which leads to a buildup of public support for the candidate.

Question 5

Unit Rule

Answer 5

The rule that grants all of a state’s electoral votes to the candidate who receives the most popular votes in the state.

Question 6

White House Office (WHO)

Answer 6

A subunit of the Executive Office of the President (EOP), the White House Office is the core of the presidential staff system in that it includes the president’s closest and most trusted personal advisors.

Question 7

Cabinet

Answer 7

A group consisting of the heads of the executive (cabinet) departments, who are appointed by the president, subject to confirmation by the Senate. The cabinet was once the main advisory body to the president, but it no longer plays this role.

Question 8

Honeymoon Period

Answer 8

The president’s first months in office, a time when Congress, the press, and the public are more inclined than usual to support presidential initiatives.

Question 9

Presidential Approval Ratings

Answer 9

A measure of the degree to which the public approves or disapproves of the president’s performance in office.