Chapter 14: Section 1

Question 1

Unified Government

Answer 1

The same party controls the White House and both houses of Congress.

Question 2

Divided Government

Answer 2

One party controls the White House and another party controls one or both houses of Congress.

Question 3

Electoral College

Answer 3

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 Colombia has three electoral votes, even though it cannot elect a representative or senator.

Question 4

Bully Pulpit

Answer 4

The president’s use of his prestige and visibility to guide or enthuse the American public.

Question 5

Veto Message

Answer 5

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.

Question 6

Pocket Veto

Answer 6

A bill fails to become law because the president did not sign it within 10 days before Congress adjourns.

Question 7

Line-Item Veto

Answer 7

An executive’s ability to block a particular provision in a bill passed by the legislature.

Question 8

Gridlock

Answer 8

The inability of the government to act because rival parties control different parts of the government.

Question 8

Signing Statement

Answer 8

A presidential document that reveals what the president thinks of a new law and how it ought to be enforced.

Question 10

Pyramid Structure

Answer 10

A president’s subordinates report to him through a clear chain of command headed by a chief of staff.

Question 11

Circular Structure

Answer 11

Several of the president’s assistants report directly to him.

Question 12

Ad Hoc Structure

Answer 12

Several subordinates, cabinet officers, and committees, report directly to the president on different matters.

Question 13

Cabinet

Answer 13

The heads of the 15 executive branch departments of the federal government.