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Terms in this set (36)
divided government
A government in which one party controls the White House and another party controls one or both houses of Congress.
unified government
A government in which the same party controls both the White House and both houses of Congress. When Bill Clinton became president in 1993, it was the first time since 1981 (and only the second time since 1969) that the same party was in charge of the Presidency and Congress.
representative democracy
A political system in which leaders and representatives acquire political power by means of a competitive struggle for the people's vote. This is the form of government used by nations that are called democratic.
direct democracy
A political system in which all or most citizens participate directly by either holding office or making public policy. the town meeting, in which citizens vote on major issues, is an example of participatory democracy.
pyramid structure
A method of organizing a president's staff in which the president's subordinates report to him through a clear chain of command headed by a chief of staff.
circular structure
A method of organizing a president's staff in which several presidential assistants report directly to the President.
ad hoc structure
A method of organizing a president's staff in which several task forces committees, and informal groups of friends and advisers deal directly with the president.
perks
The fringe benefits of office or a job, such as limousines, expense accounts, free air travel, fancy offices, and more staff.
Cabinet
The heads of the 15 executive branch departments of the federal government; nominated by the President and approved by the Senate. Can be removed (fired) by the President without Senate approval.
veto
One of two ways for a President to reject a bill sent to him by Congress. A written formal rejection message is prepared and sent to Congress, but to be effective, it must be sent no later than ten days after the President receives the bill. Can be overridden by two-thirds of both houses of Congress.
pocket veto
One of the two ways for a president to reject a bill sent to him by Congress. A bill fails to become law when the president does not sign it within 10 days before Congress adjourns (he "puts it in his pocket until Congress adjourns").
line-item veto
The power of an executive to veto some provisions in a bill while approving others. In 1998, the U.S. Supreme Court declared it unconstitutional.
trustee approach
The view that an elected official (especially the President) should act on his or her own best judgement for the public good. Not used much anymore because of the widespread use of polling that tells the official what constituents want.
delegate model
The view that an elected representative (including the President) should do what your constituents want you to do. See "representational view of representation" in Chap. 13 - Congress.
legislative veto
The authority of Congress to block a presidential action after it has taken place. In 1983, the U.S. Supreme Court declared it unconstitutional.
impeachment
A formal accusation of a crime or improper conduct against a public official (such as the President). In the U.S. Congress, the accusation of is made by a majority of the House and a trial on the charge occurs in the Senate. The Senate serves as the jury at the trial. Two-thirds of the Senate (67 votes) is required for conviction. Upon conviction, the official is removed from office.
Lame Duck
A politician who is still in office after having lost a reelection bid or is in the final term if term limited (i.e. President Obama during his second term).
Bully Pulpit
A phrase that means taking advantage of the prestige and visibility of the presidency to try to guide or mobilize the American people.
gridlock
The inability of the government to act because rival parties control different branches of the government.
executive agreement
A pact or agreement made by the President with the head of a foreign country with the force of law, but not a treaty because it is without the consent of the Senate.
executive order
Rules or regulations issued by the President or his/her subordinates based upon constitutional authority and having the force of law. For example, DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) is an executive order.
War Powers Resolution (1973)
A law in the form of a joint resolution limiting the power of the President to use American armed forces abroad, requiring the President to notify Congress within 48 hours of military intervention and Congressional permission for use of military force within 60 days of initiation.
Budget Control Act (1974)
A law that requires the President to notify Congress of funds he/she does not intend to spend; however, Congress may pass a concurrent resolution requiring the immediate release of funds.
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; thus there are 538 Electoral College votes and 270 required to elect the President.
signing statement
A presidential document prepared at the time he/she signs a bill into law that reveals what the president thinks of a new law and how it ought to be enforced.
Executive Office of the President
Agencies that report directly to the President. Agency leaders are nominated by the President, but must receive Senate confirmation, unlike those
of White House staff. Can be removed (fired) "at will" (for any reason) by the President. Principal agencies in the Executive Office include:
o Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
o Director of National Intelligence (DNI)
o Council of Economic Advisors (CEA)
o Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
o Office of the U.S. Trade Representative
White House Office
The President's closest staff and advisors. Hired and removed by the President without Senate confirmation. Includes Chief of Staff, General Counsel, Foreign and Domestic Policy Advisors, Press Secretary.
Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
Part of the Executive Offices of the President. It prepares the federal budget submitted by the President to Congress, develops agency reorganization plans, and reviews legislative proposals of agencies.
Independent Executive Agencies
Agencies that are quasi-independent and do not report directly to the President. Agency leaders are nominated by the President, receive Senate confirmation, but serve fixed terms in office. Unlike most executive agencies, leaders cannot be removed (fired) "at will" by the President, but can only be removed "for cause". Agencies include:
o The Federal Reserve (Fed)
o
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
honeymoon period
The first 100 days of a President's first term when his/her popularity is at its highest point.
parliamentary system
A system of government where the chief executive is called Prime Minister and is selected by legislative majority and can be removed by same and can serve indefinitely.
presidential system
A system of government where the chief executive is called President and is elected and and serves a fixed term.
West Wing
An area in the White House where the President and his staff works and the location for the Oval Office (the President's office).
treaty
A pact or agreement made by the President and a foreign country and approved by the Senate.
executive privilege
the right to keep conversations confidential between the President and his staff; but see limits: U.S. v. Nixon
impoundment of funds
when the President refuses to spend money appropriated by Congress; this power is limited by the Budget Control Act (1974)
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