Chapter 4 Executive branch AP GOV

ambassador

an official representative of a country's government

Bully Pulpit

the president's use of his prestige and visibility to guide or enthuse the American public

Cabinet

A group of advisers to the president.

Chief of State

term for the President as the ceremonial head of the United States, the symbol of all the people of the nation

Commander in Chief

term for the president as commander of the nation's armed forces

executive agreement

A formal agreement between the U.S. president and the leaders of other nations that does not require Senate approval.

Executive Office of the President

The cluster of presidential staff agencies that help the president carry out his responsibilities. Currently the office includes the Office of Management and Budget, the Council of Economic Advisers, and several other units.

executive privilege

An implied presidential power that allows the president to refuse to disclose information regarding confidential conversations or national security to Congress or the judiciary.

honeymoon period

the time following an election when a president's popularity is high and congressional relations are likely to be productive

Impeachment

An action by the House of Representatives to accuse the president, vice president, or other civil officers of the United States of committing "Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors."

Imperial Presidency

Term used to describe a president as an "emperor" who acts without consulting Congress or acts in secrecy to evade or deceive congress

inherent powers

powers claimed by a president that are not expressed in the Constitution but are inferred from it

Lame duck period

The time during which a president who has lost an election or has ended a second term is still in office before the new president serves

line

item veto

National Security Council

An office created in 1947 to coordinate the president's foreign and military policy advisers. Its formal members are the president, vice president, secretary of state, and secretary of defense, and it is managed by the president's national security assistant.

pocket veto

president's power to kill a bill, if Congress is not in session, by not signing it for 10 days

Presidential Succession Act of 1947

law specifying the order of presidential succession following the Vice President

recess appointment

Presidential appointment made without Senate confirmation during Senate recess

signing statement

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

State of the Union

An annual speech in which the president addresses Congress to report on the condition of the country and recommend policies.

Stewardship Theory

A theory that argues for a strong, assertive presidential role, with presidential authority limited only at points specifically prohibited by law.

Twelth Amendment

requires electors to vote separately for President and Vice Pres.

Twentieth Amendment

Constitutional amendment moving presidential inauguration from March to January

Twenty

Third Amendment

Twenty

fifth Amendment

Veto

Chief executive's power to reject a bill passed by a legislature

War Powers Act

Act that grants emergency executive powers to president to run war effort

White House Staff

Personnel who run the White House and advise the President. Includes the Chief of Staff and Press Secretary

executive order

a rule or order issued by the president to an executive branch of the government and having the force of law.