Executive Branch

Ambassador

Official representatives of the U.S. government to foreign nations, appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate.

Bargaining and Persuasion

A president's ability to negotiate with Congress and other political actors to achieve policy goals, often using influence rather than direct authority.

Bully Pulpit

The president's use of their position and visibility to promote policies and influence public opinion.

Cabinet

A group of presidential advisers, including the heads of the executive departments, who assist in policy decisions and administration.

Chief of Staff

The head of the White House staff, responsible for overseeing operations and advising the president.

Commander in Chief

The president's role as the leader of the U.S. military forces.

Delegate

A representative who acts according to the wishes of their constituents, often used in the context of electoral representation.

Divided Government

A situation in which the presidency is controlled by one political party, while one or both houses of Congress are controlled by another.

Electoral College

The system used to elect the president, where electors from each state cast votes based on the popular vote in their state.

Executive Agreement

An international agreement made by the president without Senate approval, unlike a treaty.

Executive Office of the President (EOP)

A group of federal agencies and offices that support the president in policy-making and administration.

Executive Order

A directive issued by the president that has the force of law without congressional approval.

Executive Privilege

The president's ability to withhold information from Congress or the courts for reasons of national security or confidentiality.

Going Public

When the president appeals directly to the public to gain support for policies or pressure Congress.

Gridlock

A situation where political stalemate prevents the government from passing laws or making decisions.

Honeymoon Period

The early months of a president’s term when they typically enjoy high public approval and cooperation from Congress.

Impeachment

The process by which a president or other federal official is charged with misconduct and potentially removed from office.

Imperial Presidency

A term describing a president who acts without consulting Congress or exceeds constitutional limits.

Impoundment

The president’s refusal to spend money appropriated by Congress, a practice restricted by the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act (1974).

In-and-Outers

Officials who alternate between positions in government and private sector jobs.

Independent Agencies

Government agencies that operate outside of the executive departments, such as NASA or the EPA.

Informal Powers

Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but used by the president to influence policy, such as executive agreements and public persuasion.

Inherent Powers

Powers derived from the Constitution’s vague statements on executive authority, allowing the president to act in ways necessary for governance.

Lame Duck Period

The time after an election when an outgoing president or official has reduced political influence before leaving office.

Legislative Veto

A provision allowing Congress to override executive actions; ruled unconstitutional in INS v. Chadha (1983).

Line-Item Veto

The ability to reject specific parts of a bill without vetoing the entire legislation; declared unconstitutional in Clinton v. City of New York (1998).

National Security Council (NSC)

A White House advisory body focused on national security and foreign policy issues.

Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

The agency responsible for preparing the federal budget and monitoring executive branch spending.

Pocket Veto

When the president indirectly vetoes a bill by not signing it within 10 days and Congress adjourns before it becomes law.

Presidential Pardon

The president’s power to grant forgiveness for federal crimes.

Presidential Succession Act (1947)

The law outlining the line of succession if the president and vice president are unable to serve.

Recess Appointment

A presidential appointment made without Senate confirmation while Congress is in recess.

Representative Democracy

A government in which elected officials represent the interests of the people.

Signing Statement

A written message issued by the president when signing a bill into law, sometimes indicating how they interpret it.

State of the Union

An annual speech given by the president to Congress outlining policy priorities and national issues.

Stewardship Theory

A view of presidential power that argues the president can take any action not explicitly prohibited by law.

Treaty

A formal agreement between countries that requires Senate approval.

Trustee

A representative who makes decisions based on their judgment rather than strictly following constituents’ wishes.

Twelfth Amendment

The amendment that established separate Electoral College votes for president and vice president.

Twentieth Amendment

The amendment that changed the presidential inauguration date to January 20 and shortened the 'lame duck' period.

Twenty-Fifth Amendment

The amendment that provides procedures for presidential succession and handling presidential disability.

Twenty-Second Amendment

The amendment that limits the president to two terms in office.

Twenty-Third Amendment

The amendment that grants Washington, D.C., electors in the Electoral College.

Unified Government

A situation in which the presidency and both houses of Congress are controlled by the same political party.

Veto

The president’s power to reject a bill passed by Congress.

Veto Message

A statement from the president explaining why they rejected a bill.

War Powers Act (1973)

A law that limits the president’s ability to deploy military forces without congressional approval.

White House Staff

The president’s closest advisors and aides who assist in policy-making and administration, including the Chief of Staff.