Key Terminology of the American Presidency and Political Systems

Essential Definitions of US Executive and Legislative Functions

Core Government Systems and Election Terminology

Parliamentary System

System of government where the legislature selects the Prime Minister or President.

Presidential Ticket

Joint listing of Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates on the same ballot.

Presidential Authority and Constitutional Clauses

Vesting Clause

The President’s constitutional authority to control most executive functions.

Take Care Clause

Constitutional requirement that Presidents “take care that the laws be faithfully executed.”

Inherent Powers

Powers that grow out of the very existence of government.

Executive Privilege

The right to keep executive communications confidential, especially if relating to national security.

Executive Orders

Formal orders issued by the President to direct action by the federal bureaucracy.

Impoundment

Decision by the President not to spend money appropriated by Congress, now prohibited under federal law.

Line Item Veto

Presidential power to remove specific items from a spending bill without vetoing the entire package.

Signing Statements

Formal document that explains why a President is signing a particular bill into law.

Executive Interaction with Congress and Foreign Policy

Treaty

Formal, public agreement between the U.S. and one or more nations that must be approved by two-thirds (2/3) of the Senate.

Executive Agreement

Formal agreement between the U.S. President and leaders of other nations, requiring no Senate approval.

Congressional Executive Agreement

An agreement between the U.S. and other nations that requires approval by both houses of Congress.

Recess Appointment

Presidential appointment made without Senate confirmation during a Senate recess.

Veto

Formal decision by the President to reject a bill passed by Congress.

Pocket Veto

Formal decision by the President to reject a bill passed by Congress after it adjourns.

Impeachment

Formal accusation against a President or public official, the first step toward removal from office.

Presidential Staff, Support Agencies, and Cabinet

State of the Union Address

The President’s annual statement to Congress and the nation.

Chief of Staff

Head of the White House staff.

Executive Office of the President (EOP)

A cluster of Presidential staff agencies that help the President carry out responsibilities.

OMB

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB), a Presidential staff agency that serves as a clearinghouse for budgetary requests and management improvements for government agencies.

Cabinet

Advisory council for the President, consisting of the heads of executive departments, the Vice President, and other officials selected by the President.

Public Opinion and Presidential Metrics

Presidential Support Score

Percentage of times a President wins key votes in Congress.

Mandate

The President’s claim of broad public support.

Rally Point

A rise in public approval of the President that follows a crisis or major international event.