Chapter 14: The Presidency

Divided government

One party controls the White House, and another controls either one or both chambers of Congress

Unified government

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

Gridlock

Inability of the government to act due to the rival party controlling different parts of government

Electoral college

The people chosen to cast each state's votes in a presidential election. One electoral vote is cast for each congressional member in each state

Bully pulpit

Taking advantage of the prestige and visibility of the presidency to guide the American public

Veto message

Presidential statement sent to Congress, within 10 days of the bills passage, stating reasons for not signing the bill

Pocket veto

if the president doesn’t sign the bill within 10 days and Congress has adjourned within that time, a bill fails to become law

Line-item veto

Executive ability to block a particular part in a bill

Signing statement

A presidential document that reveals what the president thinks of a new law and how it should be implemented by the executive branch

Pyramid structure

A president’s staff report to him through a hierarchy to a chief of staff

Circular structure

Several assistants report directly to the president

Ad hoc structure

Several task forces, committees, and cabinet officers, report directly to the president

Cabinet

The heads of fifteen executive branch departments in the federal government

Line of Succession

The plan by which a presidential vacancy is filled

Legislative Veto

Authority of Congress to block a presidential action after it happened. SC said Congress doesn’t have this power.

Impeachment

Charges against the president approved by majority of the House

Pardon

A warrant granting release from punishment for an offense

Trustee Model

Doing what the public good requires, even if the voters are skeptical

Delegate Model

Doing what your constituents want you to do

executive privilege

The right of the president to withhold info from Congress/refuse to testify