Unit 2: Chapters 4 and 5 Vocab - AP U.S Government

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.

bully pulpit

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

veto message

A message from the president to Congress stating that that a bill passed in both chambers will not be signed. Must be produced within 10 days of the bill’s passage.

pocket veto

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

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.

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.

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.

bureaucracy

A large, complex organization composed of appointed officials.

discretionary authority

The extent to which appointed bureaucrats can choose courses of action and make policies not spelled out in advance by laws.

competitive service

The government offices to which people are appointed on the basis of merit, as ascertained by a written exam or by applying certain selection criteria.

name-request job

A job filled by a person whom an agency has already identified.

iron triangle

A close relationship between an agency, a congressional committee, and an interest group.

issue network

A network of people in Washington, D.C.–based interest groups, on congressional staffs, in universities and think tanks, and in the mass media, who regularly discuss and advocate public policies.

Authorization legislation

Legislative permission to begin or continue a government program or agency.

appropriation

A legislative grant of money to finance a government program or agency.

Trust funds

Funds for government programs collected and spent outside the regular government budget.

committee clearance

The ability of a congressional committee to review and approve certain agency decisions in advance and without passing a law.

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.

Red tape

Complex bureaucratic rules and procedures that must be followed to get something done.