U3 Executive Branch Vocabulary

Part A

Chief of State The President is the head of the government. He is the human symbol of the American people.

Chief Executive The President is the head of the executive branch, one of the three branches of government. He makes sure that the nation’s laws policies, and programs are carried out.

Chief Administrator The President is in charge of most of the government’s employees. He also manages to money used to run the government and its programs.

Chief Diplomat The President sets policies towards other nations. He also speaks for the country to the rest of the world.

The President is the head of all military forces. Commander in Chief The President is the head of all military forces.

Chief Legislator The president suggest new laws to Congress. He asks Congress to take action on important problems.

Chief of Party The president is the unofficial leader of his political party because of his power and influence.

Chief Citizen The president is expected to do what is best for all the nation, not just the special interests. He is the moral leader of Americans.

Part B

Electoral College A group of people, chosen by the states, that officially elect the President of the United States.

Presidential Primary An election in which voters help choose delegates for the National Convention that select the candidate for the party.

Presidential Succession An process by which the presidency is filled when it becomes vacant.

Amnesty An overall pardon for a large group.

Cabinet An official group of presidential advisors.

Commutation The power to reduce a sentence or a fine.

Executive Order When the president makes a rule, which has the force of law.

Pardon The power to forgive a crime.

Reprieve The power to postpone a sentence.

Veto The presidential rejection of a bill.

Treaty A formal agreement with another nation.

Ambassador A person who represents the president on behalf of a nation.

Executive Agreement When the president makes an informal pact with another nation’s leader.