Quiz 5a Flashcards
Bully pulpit
The presidents use of his prestige and visibility to guide or enthuse the American public
Ad hoc structure
Several subordinates, cabinet officers, and committees report directly to the president on different matters
Cabinet
The heads of the 15 executive branch departments of the federal government
Circular structure
Structure in which several of the presidents assistants report directly to him
Divided Government
Government in which one party controls the White House, and another party 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. The Supreme Court has held that Congress does not have this power
Line-item veto
An executives ability to block a particular provision in a bill passed by the legislature
Pocket veto
Result when a bill fails to become law because the president did not sign it within 10 days before Congress adjourns
Pyramidal structure
Structure in which the 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
Government in which the same party controls the White House and both houses of Congress
