Executive Branch

Ambassadors – 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.