Show:
Constitutional Stuff
Presidential Powers
Checks and Balances
Presidential Agencies
Wildcard
100
List one formal responsibility of the Vice President.
What is succeeding the President of the United States. OR casting the tie-breaking vote in the Senate.
100
List 2 specific presidential powers found in the Constitution.
What are: - Commander in Chief - Sign bills - Veto bills - Issuing pardons - Appoint ambassadors - Negotiate treaties
100
List 2 “political” (non-Constitutional) checks on the president.
Many examples exist: - Public Opinion (polling) - Media Coverage - Scandals - Economic status of nation - Fear of hurting re-election/party
100
This group that advises the President is called the ___________.
Cabinet.
100
Define/explain "going public."
When a President takes his case directly to the people, bypassing Congress and others. Examples include President Clinton going on late-night TV, President Obama touring nation to help pass Affordable Care Act, etc.
200
This amendment describes what happens if a president dies or becomes unable perform his/her presidential duties.
What is the 25th Amendment?
200
How does a treaty differ from an executive agreement?
Treaty = formal power, must be ratified by 2/3 of the US Senate Executive Agreement = informal power; does not need US Senate's approval; only lasts until the end of a president's term
200
Describe two ways that the Senate checks the president’s power.
1. A simple majority of the Senate must confirm presidential appointments. 2. 2/3 of the Senate must ratify treaties.
200
Define the responsibilities of the Office of Management and Budget.
- The president’s annual budget proposal. - The budget of the Executive Branch. - Supplying economic forecasts. - Detailed analysis of proposed bills. (Also, who created the OMB?)
200
What are signing statements?
When the President adds a comment to legislation that Congress passes; under Reagan/Clinton/Bush/Obama, became a tool for ignoring parts of laws and reinterpreting them (in effect, a line-item veto).
300
List the 2 out of the 3 constitutional qualifications for becoming president.
What are 1. Natural born citizen, 2. At least 35 years old, and 3. Lived in the US for the last 14 years.
300
Why do presidents often hesitate to use pardons during the beginning of their term in office?
Your answer should include something regarding the fear of making a political mistake--looking weak on crime; causing public opinion poll numbers to decrease; tarnishing the powers of the criminal justice system.
300
How does a line-item veto work?
The executive is able to veto PARTS of a spending bill without having to veto the entire bill. The SCOTUS declared this power unconstitutional in the case Clinton v. New York City.
300
For what reasons are Vice Presidents generally chosen?
To balance the Presidential election ticket (politically or geographically - for example, a Northerner choosing a Southern VP candidate).
300
Name two examples of executive orders.
They include: - President Roosevelt creating Japanese internment camps - President Truman desegregating the military - Obama and undocumented immigration - Many others
400
Explain how the 22nd Amendment limits the Presidency.
What is, the 22nd Amendment limits the President to only two terms in office?
400
What is an executive order?
It is a presidential command towards an executive agency or department. The command has the force of the law and does not require congressional approval, though EO's can be challenged in court.
400
Specifically describe the two steps in the presidential impeachment process.
1. The House must vote to impeach with a simple majority (more than 50%) 2. The Senate conducts the trial and can convict an official if more than 2/3 of the Senate agrees.
400
At what time do Presidents have the most success getting their agenda passed?
What is the "honeymoon period" (early in Presidency)?
400
List two provisions of the War Powers Resolution.
It is a big law, but the answer can include the following: - President can commit troops to another country, but must inform Congress within 48 hours - Forbids armed forces from remaining for more than 60 days, with a further 30 day withdrawal period, without an authorization of the use of military force or a declaration of war.
500
Describe the logic of the founding fathers for trying to create a limited Executive branch.
What is: the goal of preventing another monarchy as the colonies experienced; avoiding a tyrannical regime; spreading out power via checks and balances and separation of powers?
500
List 2 constitutional military/foreign policy powers of the president.
- Commander in Chief - Deploy troops - Negotiate treaties - Appoint ambassadors (with Senate consent) - Appoint cabinet members and other advisers (with Senate consent) - Receive ambassadors - Recognize other nations
500
What famous precedent came from the Supreme Court case United States v. Nixon?
The answer should include information identifying that a President does have the right to executive privilege, though this right is not absolute and cannot be used unless the information is imperative for the protection of the U.S. (The President cannot refuse to comply with a criminal investigation/is NOT above the law.)
500
During which era did the modern Presidential agencies emerge and why?
OMB, other agencies were created during the Great Depression; new agencies needed to oversee huge federal programs created by President Roosevelt
500
When does Presidential power tend to expand and why?
During wartime - examples include post-9/11 and the Civil War. Presidents assume "emergency" powers during conflicts and do not encounter as much resistance from the public/Congress as they do during peacetime.