The Executive Branch

Question 1

Electoral College

Answer 1

institution that officially elects the President and Vice President of the United States every four years. The President and Vice President are not elected directly by the voters. Instead, they are elected by “electors” who are chosen by popular vote on a state-by-state basis

Question 2

Executive Agreement

Answer 2

an agreement between the President and another head of state that, unlike a treaty, does not require Senate consent.

Question 3

Executive Order

Answer 3

presidential rule or regulation that has the force of law.

Question 4

Executive Privilege

Answer 4

the President and his staff to withhold their “privileged” conversations from Congress or the courts.

Question 5

Impoundment

Answer 5

refusal of a President to spend money that has been appropriated by Congress

Question 6

Line Item Veto

Answer 6

power of most governors (and President Clinton for only a few years) to delete or reduce funding in a bill on a line by line basis.

Question 7

Pardons

Answer 7

forgiveness of a crime and the cancellation of the relevant penalty

Question 8

Pocket Veto

Answer 8

presidential killing of a bill by inaction after Congress adjourns.

Question 9

War powers act or resolution

Answer 9

federal law intended to check the president’s power to commit the United States to an armed conflict without the consent of Congress