AP United States Government - Unit 2 - Chapter 14 Vocab

Gridlock

the inability of the government to act because rival parties control different parts of the government

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 3 electoral votes, even though it cannot elect a representative or senator

Bully pulpit

the president’s use of prestige and visibility to guide or mobilize the American public

Veto message

a message from the president to Congress stating that a bill passed in both chambers will not be signed. must be produced within 10 days of the bill’s passage

Pocket veto

a bill fails to become law because the president did not sign it within 10 days before Congress adjourns

Line-item veto

an executive’s ability to block a particular provision in a bill passed by the legislature

Executive order

a presidential directive that calls for action within the executive branch

Signing statement

a presidential document that reveals what the president thinks of a new law and how it ought to be enforced

Pyramid structure

a president’s subordinates report to him through a clear chain of command headed by a chief of staff

Circular structure

several of the president’s assistants report directly to him

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

Impeachment

charges against a president approved by a majority of the House of Representatives