Gov 14 Flashcards
Bully pulpit
The presidents 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 presidents assistants report directly to him
Divided government
One party controls the White House, other controls one or both houses of congress
Electoral college
The people chosen to cast each states 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 Supreme Court held that congress doesn’t have this power
Line item veto
An executives ability to block a particular provision in a bill passes by the legislature
Pocket veto
A bill fails to become law become the president didn’t sign it 10 days become congress adjourns
Pyramid structure
A presidents 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 about 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 if it has been passed. Must be produced within ten days of the bills passage
