AP US Government: Unit 5

Electoral College

A body of electors established by the Constitution, responsible for indirectly selecting the President.

22nd Amendment

An amendment to the Constitution that limits the president to two terms in office.

Qualifications for President

Must be a natural-born citizen, at least 35 years old, and have lived in the US for 14 years.

Chief Executive

The role of the president as the head of the executive branch, responsible for enforcing laws.

Chief Diplomat

The role of the president in directing US foreign policy and making treaties with other countries.

Veto

The president's formal rejection of a bill passed by Congress.

Pocket Veto

An informal veto that occurs when the president does not sign a bill within ten days while Congress is adjourned.

Commander-In-Chief

The role of the president as the top leader of the military.

War Powers Resolution

A law limiting the president's ability to engage in military action without congressional authorization for more than sixty days.

Impeachment

The process of removing a president from office through charges of wrongdoing, requiring a majority vote in the House and a two-thirds vote in the Senate.

Executive Privilege

The right of the president to withhold information from Congress or the courts, especially in matters related to national security.

Bully Pulpit

The president's ability to use their position to influence public opinion and promote policies.

Federal Bureaucracy

The departments and agencies within the executive branch that carry out the laws of the nation.

Political Patronage

Filling administrative positions as a reward for political support rather than based on merit.

Merit-based System

A system for hiring and promotion based on competitive testing results and qualifications.

Iron Triangles

The relationship between bureaucracies, Congress, and interest groups that work together to achieve policy goals.

Regulatory Agencies

Agencies that have the authority to create regulations and enforce laws in specific areas.

Hatch Act

A law that restricts federal employees from engaging in political activities and campaigns.

Government Accountability Office (GAO)

A congressional agency that monitors government spending and holds bureaucrats accountable.