U.S Government Exam 2.1 - Presidency

Presidency Unit

WAR POWERS ACT

Limits the president's power to send troops into combat without congressional approval.

EMBASSY

A diplomatic mission representing a country in another country.

AMBASSADOR

A country's highest-ranking official in another country.

MERIT SYSTEM

A system of hiring government employees based on their qualifications and performance.

PATRONAGE SYSTEM

A system of hiring government employees based on their political loyalty.

VETO

The president's power to reject a bill passed by Congress.

LINE ITEM VETO

The president's power to veto specific parts of a bill.

POCKET VETO

The president's power to kill a bill by not signing it within 10 days while Congress is not in session.

VETO OVERRIDE

Congress's power to override a presidential veto with a two-thirds vote in both houses.

EXECUTIVE ORDER

A rule or order issued by the president that has the force of law.

EXECUTIVE AGREEMENT

An agreement between the president and a foreign head of state that does not require Senate approval.

SENATORIAL ADVICE AND CONSENT

The Senate's power to approve or reject presidential appointments and treaties.

TREATY

A formal agreement between two or more countries.

TRADE AGREEMENT

An agreement between two or more countries to reduce trade barriers.

NATO

A military alliance between 31 countries.

PRESIDENTIAL PARDON

The president's power to forgive a person convicted of a crime.

EXECUTIVE PRIVILEGE

: The president's power to withhold information from Congress or the courts.

US V. NIXON

A Supreme Court case that limited the president's power of executive privilege.

IMPEACHMENT

The process by which Congress can remove a president from office.

IMPOUNDMENT

The president's power to refuse to spend money appropriated by Congress. This power allows the president to control federal spending, often used to influence legislative priorities.

SIGNING STATEMENT

A written statement issued by the president when signing a bill into law.

STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

An annual speech given by the president to Congress.

CABINET

A group of advisors to the president.

VICE PRESIDENT

The second-highest official in the U.S. government.

JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF

The top military leaders in the U.S. armed forces.

DIVIDED GOVERNMENT

A situation in which the president is from one party and Congress is controlled by the other party.

POLICY GRIDLOCK

A situation in which Congress is unable to pass legislation because of partisan disagreement.

FEDERALIST 70

An essay by Alexander Hamilton arguing for a strong executive branch.