Chapter 14 Flashcards
Unified Government
The same party controls both the WH and Congress
Gridlock
The inability of the government to act because of rival parties control different parts of the government
Divided government
One party controls the White House and the other controls Congress
Electoral College
The delegates chosen to vote for the next president.
Bully-pulpit
The president’s use of his prestige and visibility to guide or enthuse the American people
Executive Privilege
The President’s right to withhold info that congress may want to obtain from him or her and his subordinates
Veto message
A president sends a note as to why he did not sign the bill
Pocket Veto
A veto from the president not signing a bill within ten days AND congress is adjourned then it won’t become law
Line item veto
An executive’s ability to block a specific provision in a bill
Signing Statement
A presidential document that reveals what the president thinks of a new law and how it ought be enforced
Pyramid Structure
Most assistants report through a hierarchy to the chief of staff who then deals with the president
Circular Structure
Cabinet secretaries and assistants report directly to the president
ad hoc structure
Task forces, committees and informal groups of friends and advisers deal directly with the president
Cabinet
The heads of the 15 executive branch departments of the federal government
Legislative veto
The authority of Congress to block a presidential action after it has taken place. The Supreme Court has held that congress doesn’t have that power.
