Ap Gov Terms Chapter 14

Front 1

ad hoc structure

Back 1

several subordinates, cabinet officers, and committees report directly to the president on different matters

Front 2

bully pulpit

Back 2

the president's use of his prestige and visibility to guide or enthuse the American public

Front 3

cabinet

Back 3

the heads of the fifteen executive branch departments of the federal government

Front 4

circular structure

Back 4

several of the president's assistants report directly to him

Front 5

divided government

Back 5

one party controls the White House and another party controls one or both houses of Congress

Front 6

electoral college

Back 6

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

Front 7

gridlock

Back 7

the inability of the government to act because rival parties control different parts of the government

Front 8

impeachment

Back 8

charges against a president approved by a majority of the House of Representatives

Front 9

lame duck

Back 9

a person still in office after he or she has lost a bid for reelection

Front 10

legislative veto

Back 10

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.

Front 11

line-item veto

Back 11

the authority of Congress to block a particular provision in a bill passed by the legislature

Front 12

pocket veto

Back 12

a bill fails to become law because the president did not sign it within ten days before Congress adjourns

Front 13

pyramid structure

Back 13

a president's subordinates report to him through a clear chain of command headed by a chief of staff

Front 14

signing statement

Back 14

a presidential document that reveals what the president thinks of a new law and how it ought to be enforced

Front 15

unified government

Back 15

the same party controls the White House and both houses of Congress

Front 16

veto message

Back 16

a message from the president to COngress stating that he will not sign a bill it has passed. Must be produced within ten days of the bill's passage