Chapter 14 Flashcards
Unified government
Same party controls the White House and both houses of congress
Gridlock
Inability of the government to act because rival parties control different parts of the government
Electoral college
People chosen to cast each state’s votes in a pres election. Each state can cast one electoral vote for each senator and representative it has. The District of Columbia has three electoral votes, even though it cannot elect a representative or senator
Bully pulpit
President’s use of his prestige and visibility to guide or enthuse the American public
Veto message
Message from pres to Congress stating that he will not sign a bill it has passed. Must be produced within 10 days of the bill’s passage
Pocket veto
Bill fails to become law because the pres did not sign it within 10 days before congress adjourns
Line-item veto
Executives ability to block a particular provision in a bill passed by the legislature
Signing statement
Pres document that reveals what the pres thinks of a new law and how it ought to be enforced
Pyramid structure
Pres’s subordinates report to him through a clear chain of command headed by a chief of staff
Circular structure
Several of the pres’s assistants report directly to him
Ad hoc structure
Several subordinates, cabinet officers, and committees report directly to the pres on different matters
Cabinet
Heads of the 15 executive branch departments of the fed gov
Legislative veto
The authority of congress to block a pres action after it has taken place. The Supreme Court has held that congress does not have this power
Impeachment
Charges against a pres approved by a majority of the House of Representatives
Divided government
One party controls the White House and another party controls one or both houses of congress
