Chapter 12: Executive Branch - AP Government Puente

bully pulpit

a public office or position of authority that provides its occupant with an outstanding opportunity to speak out on any issue.

cabinet

A group of presidential advisers not mentioned in the Constitution, although every president has had one. today it is composed of 13 secretaries and the attorney general

chief diplomat

The role of the president in recognizing foreign governments, making treaties, and making executive agreements.

chief of staff

The person who is named to direct the White House Office and advise the president

commander in chief

The role of the president as supreme commander of the military forces of the United States and of the National Guard units when they are called into federal service

council of economic advisors

A 3 member body appointed by the president to advise the president on economic policy.

electoral college

a body of people representing the states of the US, who formally cast votes for the election of the president and vice president

executive agreement

An international agreement made by the president, without senatorial ratification, with the head of a foreign state

executive order

A rule or regulation issued by the president that has the effect of law. they can implement and give administrative effect to provisions in the Constitution, to treaties, and to statutes.

executive privilege

The right of the executive officials to refuse to appear before, or to withhold information from, a legislative committee. it is enjoyed by the president and by those executive officials accorded that right by the president.

honeymoon period

the time period in which a president first takes office. For a few months, the public, the media, and members of Congress tend to give the president the benefit of the doubt and treat him well.

impeachment

The political equivalent of an indictment in criminal law, prescribed by the Constitution

impoundment

The refusal of the president to spend money appropriated by Congress.

lame duck

a president who is completing a term of office and chooses not to run or is ineligible to run for reelection

legislative veto

The ability of Congress to override a presidential decision

line item veto

The power of an executive to veto individual lines or items within a piece of legislation without vetoing the entire bill.

mandate

a concept based on the idea that "the people have spoken" it is a powerful symbol in American electoral politics, according legitimacy and credibility to a newly elected presidents proposal

national security council

An office created in 1947 to coordinate the president's foreign and military policy advisors. its formal members are the president, vice president, secretary of state, and secretary of defense, and its managed by the presidents national security advisor

office of management and budget

An office that grew out of the Bureau of the Budget, created in 1921, consisting of a handful of political appointees and hundreds of skilled professionals. They performs both managerial and budgetary functions.

pardon

The granting of a release from the punishment or legal consequences of a crime; it can be granted by the president before or after a conviction.

pocket veto

A veto taking place when Congress adjourns within 10 days of submitting a bill to the president, who simply lets it die by neither signing nor vetoing it.

presidential coattails

These occur when voters cast their ballots for congressional candidates of the presidents party because they support the president. Recent studies show that few races are won this way.

press secretary

a senior White House official whose primary responsibility is to act as spokesperson for the United States government administration, especially with regard to the President, senior executives, and policies.

succession

the order in which or the conditions under which one person after another succeeds to a property, dignity, title, or throne

twenty-fifth amendment

Passed in 1951, this amendment permits the vice president to become acting president if both the vice president and the presidents cabinet determine that the president is disables, the amendment also outlines how a recuperated president can reclaim the job.

twenty-second amendment

Passed in 1951, the amendment that limits presidents to two terms of office

twelfth amendment

provides the procedure for electing the President and Vice President.

U.S. v Nixon

the 1974 case in which the Supreme court unanimously held that the doctrine of executive privilege was implicit in the constitution but could not be extended to protect documents relevant to criminal prosecutions

war powers act/resolution

A law, passed in 1973 in reaction to American fighting in Vietnam and Cambodia, requiring presidents to consult with Congress whenever possible prior to using military force and to withdraw forces after 60 days unless Congress declares war or grants an extension. Presidents view the resolution unconstitutional.

Crisis Manager

role of the President in which he addresses sudden needs in response to disasters.