U.S. Presidency: Structures, Powers, and Political Dynamics

Executive Order

A presidential directive that calls for action within the executive branch.

Signing Statement

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

Pyramid Structure

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

Ad hoc Structure

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

Circular Structure

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

Cabinet

The heads of the 15 executive branch departments of the federal government.

Impeachment

Charges against a president approved by a majority of the House of Representatives.

Electoral College

The people chosen to cast each state's votes in a presidential election. Each state can cast one electoral vote for each senator and representative it has. The District of Columbia has three electoral votes, even though it cannot elect a representative or senator.

Pocket Veto

A bill fails to become law because the president did not sign it within 10 days before Congress adjourns.

Line-item Veto

An executive's ability to block a particular provision in a bill passed by the legislature.

Veto Message

A messages from the president to Congress stating that a bill passes in both chambers will not be signed. 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. The Supreme Court has held that Congress does not have this power.

Divided Government

One party controls the White House and another party controls one or both houses of Congress.

Unified Government

The same party controls the White House and both houses of Congress

Gridlock

The inability of the government to act because rival parties control different parts of the government.

Bully pulpit

The president's use of prestige and visibility to guide or mobilize the American public.