Chapter 14 Terms Flashcards
The same party controls the White House and both houses of congress.
Unified government
The inability of government to act because rival parties control different parts of the government.
Gridlock
The people chosen too 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 senator or a representative.
Electoral college
The presidents use of his prestige and visibility to guide or enthuse the American public.
Bully pulpit
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 bills passage.
Veto message
A bill fails to become law because the president did not sign it within 10 days before congress adjourns.
Pocket veto
A executive’s ability to block a particular provision in a bill passed by the legislature.
Line item veto
A presidential document that reveals what the president thinks of a new law and how it ought to be enforced.
Signing statement
A presidents subordinate report to him through a clear chain of command headed by a chief of staff.
Pyramid structure
Several of the president’s assistants report directly to him.
Circular structure
One party controls the White House and another party controls one or both houses of congress.
Divided government
Several subordinate cabinet officers and committees report directly to the president on important matters.
Ad hoc structure
The heads of the 15 executive branch departments of the federal government.
Cabinet
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.
Legislative veto
Charges against a president approved by a majority of the House of Representatives.
Impeachment
