Chapter Fourteen Flashcards
Bully pulpit
The president’s use of his prestige and visibility to guide or enthuse the American public.
Cabinet
The heads of the fifteen executive branch departments of the federal government.
Circular structure
Several of the president’s assistants report directly to him.
Divided government
One party controls the White House, and another party controls one or both houses of Congress.
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.
Gridlock
The inability of the government to act because rival parties control different parts of the government.
Impeachment
Charges against a president approved by a majority of the House of Representatives.
Lame duck
A person still in office after he or she has lost a bid for reelection.
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.
Line-item veto
An executive’s ability to block a particular provision in a bill passed by the legislature.
Pocket veto
A bill fails to become law because the president did not sign it within ten days before Congress adjourns.
Pyramid structure
A president’s subordinates report to him through a clear chain of command headed by a chief of staff.
Signing statement
A presidential document that reveals what he thinks of a new law and how it ought to be enforced.
Unified government
The same party controls the White House and both houses of Congress.
Veto message
A message from the president to Congress stating that he will not sign a bill it has passed. Must be produced within ten days of the bill’s passage.
