Chapter 14 Flashcards
Unified Government
The same party controls the White House and both houses of Congress.
Gridlock
The inability of the government to act because rival parties control different parts of the government.
Electoral College
The people chosen to cast each state’s votes in a presidential 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
The president’s use of his prestige and visibility to guide or enthuse the American public.
Veto message
A message from the president 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
A bill fails to become a law because the president did not sign it within 10 days before Congress adjourns.
Line-item veto
An executive’s ability to block a particular provision in a bill passed by the legislature.
Signing Statement
A presidential document that reveals what the president thinks of a new law and how it ought to be enforced.
Pyramid structure
A president’s subordinates report to him through a clear chain of command headed by a chief of staff. (rank/hierarchy)
Circular structure
Several of the president’s assistants report directly to him.
Ad hoc structure
Several subordinates, cabinet officers, and committees report directly to the president on different matters. (everyone talks)
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 does not have this power.
Impeachment
Charges against a president 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.
