A method in which the president organizes the White House staff by employing task forces, committees, and informal groups of friends. All have direct access to the president.

A congressional effort to control presidential impoundments. It requires, among other things, that the president spend all appropriated funds. However, if Congress is notified of which funds will not be spent and, within forty-five days, agrees to delete the items, the money can be saved. If the president wishes simply to delay spending money, Congress must be informed and may refuse the delay by passing a resolution requiring immediate release of the funds.

By custom, the heads of the fourteen major executive departments who meet to discuss matters with the president. These "secretaries" receive their positions by presidential nomination and confirmation by the Senate. They can be removed at the will of the president. Note: Other members of the president's administration may be given "cabinet rank." For example, Madeleine Albright had cabinet rank when she served as the U.N. ambassador during the first term of the Clinton administration.

A method in which the president organizes the White House staff so that they reporting directly to the president.

The representative is expected to act in accord with the preferences of her/his constituents.

A form of democracy in which the people legislate for themselves.

A government in which one party controls the presidency and a different party controls one or both houses of Congress.

The body that formally selects the president. Each state is allotted electoral votes equal to the number of its representatives and senators in Congress. It can decide how its electors are to be chosen and under what method they cast their votes for president. The candidate for the presidency who receives a majority of these votes wins. If no candidate obtains a majority, the House of Representatives chooses from the top three in electoral votes.

Federal agencies that are part of the executive branch but outside the structure of the cabinet departments. Their heads typically serve at the pleasure of the president and can be removed at the president's discretion.

Executive agencies that report directly to the president and whose purpose is to perform staff services for the president. Top positions are filled by presidential nomination with Senate confirmation.

A claim by the president that consultations with advisers are confidential and need not be disclosed to the courts or Congress. In 1973, the Supreme Court ruled that such a claim is valid when sensitive military or diplomatic matters are involved, but it refused to recognize an "absolute unqualified" presidential privilege of immunity. During the Clinton administration, executive privilege was further limited in scope.

A form of indictment voted by the House of Representatives. It can be brought against the president, the vice president, and all "civil officers" of the federal government. To be removed from his or her position, the impeached officer must be convicted by a two-thirds vote of the Senate.

Powers not specified in the Constitution which the president claims. These powers are asserted by virtue of office.

The refusal of the president to spend money appropriated by Congress. The Constitution is silent on this power, but the Budget Reform Act of 1974 limits the president's ability to impound funds.

Federal agencies that are part of the executive branch but outside the structure of cabinet departments. Their heads typically serve fixed terms of office and can be removed only for cause.

A politician whose power has been diminished because he or she is about to leave office as a result of electoral defeat or statutory limitation.

A method by which Congress delegates authority to the executive branch while retaining oversight power. Either one or both houses under this arrangement may block a proposed executive action. It is frequently used for presidential reorganization plans of the executive branch. These vetoes were declared unconstitutional in 1981.

This allows the president to approve some provisions of a bill and disapprove others. Voted by the Congress, this grant of power was ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.

Created as the Bureau of the Budget in 1921, the OMB was reorganized in 1970. It assembles and analyzes the national budget submitted to Congress by the president. Additional duties include studying the organization and operation of the executive branch, devising plans for reorganizing departments and agencies, developing ways of getting better information about government programs, and reviewing proposals that cabinet departments want included in the president's legislative program.

A short form of the term "perquisites," meaning the fringe benefits of office.

One of two ways for a president to disapprove a bill passed by Congress. If the president does not sign the bill within ten days of receiving it, and Congress has adjourned within that time, the bill does not become law.

The charismatic power of a president which enables congressional candidates of the same party to ride into office on the strength of the president's popularity. This influence has declined in recent elections.

The head of government in a parliamentary system. Chosen by the legislature, this official selects the other ministers of government (usually from among the members of parliament) and remains in power as long as his or her party (or coalition)has a majority of seats in the legislature.

A method in which the president organizes the White House staff so that assistants report through a hierarchy to a chief of staff.

A form of government in which the people elect representatives to act on their behalf.

Presidential recommendations to cut parts of appropriations bills. A 1996 law allowed the president's rescissions to go into effect unless they are overridden by a two-thirds vote in Congress, but this was ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.

The representative acts on his or her judgment, and then explains those judgments to the people.

A constitutional amendment ratified in 1967 which deals with presidential disability. It provides that the vice president is to serve as acting president whenever the president declares an inability to discharge the duties of office or whenever the vice president and a majority of the cabinet declare the president incapacitated. If the president disagrees, a two-thirds vote of Congress is needed to confirm that the president is unable to execute the duties of the office. The amendment also deals with a vacancy in the vice presidency by allowing the president to nominate a new vice president subject to confirmation by a majority vote of both houses.

A constitutional amendment ratified in 1951 which limits presidents to two terms of office.

A government in which the same party controls the presidency and both houses of Congress.

A statement the president sends to Congress accompanying a refusal to sign a bill passed by both houses. It indicates the president's reasons for the veto. A two-thirds vote of both houses is necessary to override the veto.

Personal assistants to the president with offices in the White House. These aides oversee the political and policy interests of the president and do not require Senate confirmation for appointment. They can be removed at the discretion of the president.