U.S. Executive Branch and Government Vocabulary

A collection of key vocabulary terms and definitions covering executive roles, constitutional qualifications, checks and balances, and congressional powers.

Head of State

The presidential role in which the President greets foreign leaders and represents the nation at ceremonies.

Chief Diplomat

The presidential role in which the President directs U.S. foreign policy and negotiates with other nations.

Commander in Chief

The presidential role in which the President leads the armed forces and orders troops into battle (with limits).

Main Constitutional Duty of the Vice President

To preside over the Senate and cast a tie-breaking vote if needed.

Department of Homeland Security

The Cabinet department created most recently, following the attacks of September $11$, $2001$.

War Powers Resolution ($1973$)

A legislative act requiring the President to notify Congress within $48\text{ hours}$ of sending troops into action.

Pork-barrel Projects

Federal projects that bring money and jobs to a member's district or state.

Articles of Confederation Executive Structure

A governmental framework that had no chief executive at all and left too much power with the states.

Founders' Executive Balance

The creation of a single President with limited powers to achieve a 'just right' balance—enough power to lead, but checked by other branches.

Congressional Veto Override

The procedure by which Congress overrides a presidential veto with a two-thirds vote in both the House and the Senate.

Vice President Constitutional Qualifications

The requirement that the Vice President must meet the same three constitutional qualifications as the President.

Cabinet Secretary Dismissal

The authority of the President to fire Cabinet secretaries at any time.

Senate Term Length

The six-year terms served by members of the Senate.