Chapter 14 - The Presidency 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 presidential election. State can cast one electoral vote for each senator and representative it has.
Bully pulpit
Presidents use of his prestige and visibility to guide or enthuse the American public
Veto message
Message from the president to the congress that he will not sign a bill it has passed. Must be produced within ten days of the bills passage.
Pocket veto
Bill fails to become law because the president did not sign it within 10 days before congress adjourns
Line-item veto
An executives ability to block a particular provision in a bill passed by the legislature
Signing statement
Presidential document that reveals what the president thinks of a new law and how it ought to be enforced
Pyramid structure
A presidents subordinates report to him through a clear chain of command headed by a chief of staff
Circular structure
Several of the presidents assistants and report directly to him
Ad hoc structure
Several subordinates, cabinet officers, and committees report directly to the president on different matters
Cabinet
Heads of the 15 executive branch departments of the federal government
Legislative veto
Authority of congress to block a presidential action after it has taken place. Supreme Court 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
