executive branch

veto

The power to block proposed legislation from becoming a law.

veto override

The process by which Congress can negate a presidential veto with a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate.

the Cabinet

Heads of the fifteen major bureaucratic departments within the executive branch who assist the president in policy making.

executive order

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

executive privilege

The president’s right to withhold information from congress, the judiciary, or the public under certain circumstances.

executive agreements

Agreements between the president and another country made without formal Senate consent; can be unilaterally broken by future presidents.

impoundment

The decision by the president to not spend money that has been appropriated by Congress.

primary

State-level election where voters cast ballots for their preferred presidential candidate.

caucus

Meeting at which local party members register their preference among presidential candidates or select delegates to the national convention.

Electoral College

The system used to elect the president, consisting of 538 electors who cast votes based on state results.

faithless electors

Electors who defy their party by not voting for the party's nominee.

National Popular Vote Interstate Compact

Agreement among states to award their presidential electors to the candidate receiving the most nationwide votes, regardless of state votes.

President’s power of removal

The authority of the president to demand the resignation or removal of cabinet officers and high-ranking officials.

President’s power of pardon

A president's ability to grant forgiveness that removes some consequences of a conviction.

impeachment

The act of charging a government official, including the president, with serious wrongdoing.

bureaucracy

The full set of bureaucratic agencies that help execute government functions.

civil servants

Individuals who fill non-elected positions in government and make up the bureaucracy.

Cabinet Departments

Major bureaucratic offices directly accountable to the president, each headed by a secretary.

Independent Executive Agencies

Bureaucratic agencies that report to the president but operate independently from cabinet oversight.

Independent Regulatory Agencies

Agencies insulated from political pressure, where heads can only be removed for specific causes.