Impoundment refers to the act of withholding funds appropriated by Congress for specific purposes without congressional approval. It was used by President Richard Nixon as a way to control government spending.
Related terms
Congressional Budget Act of 1974: The Congressional Budget Act of 1974 established procedures that limited presidential impoundment powers and increased congressional control over budgetary matters.
Line-item veto: The line-item veto is a power that allows an executive (such as a governor or president) to reject specific provisions or parts of legislation while approving others.
Separation of powers: Separation of powers refers to the division of governmental responsibilities between different branches (executive, legislative, and judicial) so no one branch becomes too powerful.