Chapter 14: Executive

Lame Duck

Lame Duck

An outgoing politician or group of politicians who continue to serve until the assumption of their elected successors.

Executive Office of the President

Comprises the offices and agencies that support the work and agenda of the President; includes the White House Office, National Security Council, and Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

Veto

Formal power of the President to check Congress, which can be overridden with a 2/3 vote of both houses of Congress.

Pocket Veto

Formal power of the President to check Congress that cannot be overridden with a 2/3 vote of both houses of Congress.

Line Item Veto

(Unconstitutional) Authority of the President to reject or veto particular provisions of a bill passed by Congress.

Veto Message

A message from the President to Congress stating that he will not sign a bill it has passed, must be produced within 10 days of the bill's passage.

Legislative Veto

The authority of Congress to block a Presidential action after it has taken place; however, the Supreme Court has held that Congress does not have this power.

Commander in Chief

Formal foreign policy power of the President.

Executive Agreement

Informal foreign policy power of the President.

Treaty

Formal foreign policy of the President.

Bargaining and Persuasion

Informal power of the President to secure congressional action.

Executive Order

An informal power allowing the president to manage the federal government, implied by the president's vested executive power or by power delegated by Congress.

Signing Statement

An informal power of the President to inform Congress and the public of the president's interpretation of laws passed by Congress and signed by the president.

Senate Confirmation

An important check on appointment powers involving the approval of the president's appointees.

Federalist 70

Justification for a single executive, arguing a strong executive is essential for protection against foreign attacks and the steady administration of laws.

22nd Amendment

Established presidential term limits due to concerns about the expansion of presidential power.

25th Amendment

In case of removal, death, or resignation of the President, the Vice President shall become President.

State of the Union

Formal power that allows the President to broadcast a message for agenda setting, influencing public views on policies.

Bully Pulpit

Informal power of the President to use media for agenda setting and influencing public opinion.

Agenda Setting

The process by which the President uses formal and informal powers to influence public policy and public opinion.

Electoral College

People chosen to cast each state's votes in a presidential election based on the number of senators and representatives.

Pyramid Structure

A president’s subordinates report to him through a clear chain of command headed by a chief of staff.

Circular Structure

Several of the president's assistants report directly to him.

Ad Hoc Structure

Several subordinates, cabinet officers, and committees report directly to the president on different matters.

Budget and Impound Control Act of 1974

Created the procedural means by which Congress considers and reviews executive branch withholdings of budget authority.