AP Gov Unit 2 - Executive Branch Vocab

Ambassadors

Official representatives appointed by the president to represent the United States in foreign countries and conduct diplomacy with other governments.

Bargaining and persuasion

The president’s informal power to influence members of Congress and other political actors through negotiation, compromise, and political incentives.

Bully pulpit

The president’s ability to use the visibility and prestige of the office to promote policies and persuade the public or Congress.

Cabinet

A group of the heads of executive departments who serve as the president’s top advisors on policy and administration.

Chief of Staff

The senior White House official who manages the president’s schedule, oversees White House staff, and coordinates policy and political strategy.

Commander in Chief

The constitutional role of the president as the head of the U.S. armed forces.

Delegate

A representative who acts strictly according to the expressed wishes and preferences of their constituents.

Divided Government

A situation in which one political party controls the presidency while another party controls one or both chambers of Congress.

Electoral College

The system used to elect the president in which voters choose electors who formally cast votes for the president and vice president.

Executive Agreement

An agreement between the president and a foreign government that does not require Senate approval.

Executive Office of the President

A group of agencies and offices that support the president in managing the executive branch and developing policy.

Executive Order

A directive issued by the president that has the force of law and is used to manage operations of the federal government.

Executive Privilege

The president’s power to withhold certain communications or information from Congress or the courts to protect confidentiality in executive decision

Going public

A presidential strategy of appealing directly to the public to pressure Congress to support the president’s policies.

Gridlock

A situation in which the government is unable to act or pass legislation because of conflict between political parties or branches of government.

Honeymoon Period

The early months of a new presidency when the president typically experiences higher public approval and greater congressional cooperation.

Impeachment

The formal process by which the House of Representatives charges a federal official with misconduct, potentially leading to trial in the Senate.

Imperial Presidency

The idea that the power of the president has expanded beyond constitutional limits, especially in areas like war powers and executive authority.

Impoundment

The president’s refusal to spend funds that Congress has appropriated for a specific purpose.

In-and-outers

Individuals who move between government positions and private sector jobs, often bringing policy expertise and political connections.

Independent Agencies

Federal agencies that operate outside the traditional executive department structure and have some independence from presidential control.

Informal Powers

Powers of the president not specifically listed in the Constitution but developed through practice and political influence.

Inherent Powers

Presidential powers claimed to come from the nature of national sovereignty rather than explicit constitutional language.

Lame Duck Period

The time after an election but before the newly elected officials take office, when outgoing officials still hold power.

Legislative Veto

A former practice allowing Congress to overturn executive actions without passing a new law; declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.

Line-Item Veto

The ability to reject specific provisions of a bill while signing the rest into law; the Supreme Court ruled the federal version unconstitutional.

National Security Council

A presidential advisory body that coordinates national security and foreign policy decisions.

Office of Management and Budget

An agency within the Executive Office of the President that prepares the federal budget and evaluates government programs.

Pocket Veto

A veto that occurs when the president takes no action on a bill and Congress adjourns within ten days, preventing the bill from becoming law.

Presidential Pardon

The president’s constitutional power to forgive a federal crime and eliminate legal penalties.

Presidential Succession Act (1947)

A law establishing the order of succession to the presidency after the vice president.

Recess Appointment

A presidential appointment made while the Senate is not in session, allowing the appointee to temporarily serve without Senate confirmation.

Representative Democracy

A system of government in which citizens elect officials to make political decisions and pass laws on their behalf.

Signing Statement

A written declaration issued by the president when signing a bill into law that explains how the law will be interpreted or enforced.

State of the Union

An annual address by the president to Congress describing the condition of the nation and outlining policy goals.

Stewardship Theory

Theodore Roosevelt’s view that the president may take any action not specifically forbidden by the Constitution to serve the public interest.

Treaty

A formal international agreement negotiated by the president and requiring approval by 2/3 of the senate

Trustee

A representative who uses their own judgment and expertise to make decisions they believe are best for their constituents.

12th Amendment

Constitutional amendment requiring separate Electoral College votes for president and vice president.

20th Amendment

Constitutional amendment that moved the start dates of presidential and congressional terms to January to shorten the lame duck period.

25th Amendment

Constitutional amendment outlining procedures for presidential succession and the replacement of a vice president.

22nd Amendment

Constitutional amendment limiting presidents to two elected terms in office.

23rd Amendment

Constitutional amendment granting residents of Washington, D.C. the right to vote in presidential elections by allocating the district electoral votes in the Electoral College.

Unified Government

A situation in which the same political party controls the presidency and both chambers of Congress.

Veto

The president’s constitutional power to reject legislation passed by Congress.

Veto Message

The formal explanation the president sends to Congress when rejecting a bill.

War Powers Act (1973)

A law intended to limit the president’s ability to deploy U.S. troops without congressional approval by requiring notification and time limits.

White House Staff

The group of advisors and assistants who work directly for the president and help manage policy, communications, and daily operations.