gov presidency unit

Divided Government

A government in which one party controls the presidency while another party controls one or both houses of Congress.

Unified Government

A government in which one political party controls both the presidency and both houses of Congress.

Representative Democracy

A system of government in which citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

Pyramid Structure

An organizational structure characterized by a clear chain of command with a finite number of levels.

Circular Structure

An organizational structure where the flow of communication is horizontal, promoting collaboration between levels.

Ad Hoc Structure

An organizational structure that is flexible and adaptable, often created to respond to specific issues or tasks.

Perks

Benefits or privileges beyond regular salary often provided to officials or employees.

Cabinet

A group of advisors to the president, consisting of heads of executive departments.

Veto Message

A message from the president to Congress explaining the reasons for vetoing a bill.

Pocket Veto

The president's indirect method of vetoing a bill by taking no action for ten days during which Congress is adjourned.

Line-Item Veto

The power of an executive to nullify or cancel specific provisions of a bill without vetoing the entire bill.

Trustee Approach

A model of representation where elected officials make decisions based on their own judgment.

Delegate Model

A model of representation which suggests that representatives should act according to the wishes of their constituents.

Legislative Veto

A provision that allows Congress to override regulations or actions taken by the executive branch.

Impeachment

The process by which a legislative body levels charges against a government official.

Lame Duck

A politician or group continuing to hold office while not being re-elected.

Ambassadors

Official representatives of a country, typically sent to foreign nations.

Bully Pulpit

A prominent public position that provides an opportunity to speak out and be listened to on any matter.

Chief of Staff

The head of staff in an organization, especially in a political context aiding the president.

Commander in Chief

The role of the president as the head of the armed forces.

Executive Agreement

An international agreement made by the president without the need for Senate approval.

Executive Office of the President

A group of agencies at the center of the executive branch that assist the president in carrying out his duties.

Executive Privilege

The right of the president to withhold information from Congress, the judiciary, or the public.

Honeymoon Period

The early phase of a president's term during which their popularity is typically high.

Imperial Presidency

A term used to describe the presidency of the United States which is characterized by greater powers than allowed by the Constitution.

Inherent Powers

Powers that are not explicitly listed in the Constitution but are essential for the president to fulfil their duties.

Lame Duck Period

The time during which an outgoing elected official remains in office after their successor has been elected.

National Security Council

A part of the executive office that advises the president on national security and foreign policies.

Presidential Succession Act

A law that establishes the order of presidential succession.

Recess Appointments

Appointments made by the president while the Senate is in recess, allowing the appointee to serve until the end of the next session.

Signing Statements

Declarations made by the president when signing a bill into law, often outlining their interpretation or intention.

State of the Union

An annual address delivered by the president to a joint session of Congress, outlining the administration's agenda.

Stewardship Theory

A theory of presidential power suggesting that the president can take any actions needed for the public good unless prohibited by the Constitution.

Twelfth Amendment

An amendment that established the procedure for electing the president and vice president.

Twentieth Amendment

An amendment that sets the date when the terms of the president and vice president begin and end.

Twenty-Second Amendment

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

Twenty-third Amendment

An amendment that grants the District of Columbia electors in the Electoral College.

Twenty-Fifth Amendment

An amendment that outlines the presidential succession and procedures for filling a vacancy in the office of the vice president.

Veto

The power of the president to reject a bill passed by Congress.

War Powers Act

A federal law intended to check the president's power to commit the United States to an armed conflict without Congress's consent.

White House Staff

The personnel who work directly for the president in the White House.