Vocab for Chapter 12
AP Government and Politics

Parliamentary government: A form of government in which the legislature selects the prime minister or the president
Presidential ticket: The joint listing of the presidential and vice presidential candidates on the same ballot, as required by the Twelfth Amendment
Vesting clause: The president’s constitutional authority to control most executive functions
Treaty: A formal, public agreement between the United States and one or more nations that must be approved by two-thirds of the Senate
Executive agreement: A formal agreement between the U.S. President and the leaders of other nations that does not require Senate approval
Congressional-Executive agreement: A formal agreement between the U.S. President and the leaders of other nations that requires approval by both houses of congress
Recess appointment: Presidential appointment made without Senate confirmation during Senate recess
Veto: A formal decision to reject a bill passed by congress
Pocket veto: A formal decision to reject a bill passed by congress after it adjourns—if Congress adjourns during the ten days that the president is allowed to sign or veto a law, the president can reject the law by taking no action at all
Take care clause: The constitutional requirement that presidents take care that the laws are faithfully executed, even if they disagree with the purpose of those laws
Inherent powers: Powers that grow out of the very existence of government
State of the Union Address: The president’s annual statement to congress and the nation
Signing statements: A formal document that explains why a president is signing a particular bill into law. These statements may contain objections to the bill and promises not to implement key sections
Impeachment: A formal accusation against the president or another public official; the first step in removal from office
Executive privilege: The right to keep executive communications confidential; especially if they relate to nation security
Executive orders: Formal orders issued by the president to direct action by the federal bureaucracy
Impoundment: A decision by the president not to spend money