Chapter 12 Government Notes

The head of the executive branch of government.

The supreme commander of a nation’s military force.

The person who serves as the ceremonial head of a country’s government and represents that country to the rest of the world.

A person who represents one country in dealing with representatives of another country.

The role of the president in recognizing and interacting with foreign governments.

The practice of giving government jobs to individuals belonging to the winning political party.

A formal agreement between the governments of two or more countries.

A Latin word meaning “I forbid”; the refusal by an official, such as the president of the United States or a state governor, to sign a bill into law.

A presidential order to carry out a policy or policies described in a law passed by Congress.

A written statement, appended to a bill at the time the president signs it into law, indicating how the president interprets that legislation.

A binding international agreement, or pact, that is made between the president and another head of state and that does not require Senate approval.

An inherent executive power claimed by presidents to withhold information from, or refuse to appear before, Congress or the courts.

A scandal involving an illegal break-in at the Democratic National Committee offices in 1972 by members of President Nixon’s reelection campaign staff. Before Congress could vote to impeach Nixon for his participation in covering up the break-in, Nixon reigned from the presidency.

An advisory group selected by the president to assist with decision making. Traditionally, has consisted of the heads of the executive departments and other officers whom the president may choose to appoint.

The name given to a president’s unofficial advisers. The term was coined during Andrew Jackson’s presidency.