pres

Question 1

What are the requirements to run for President of the United States?

Answer 1

• Natural born citizen
• Minimum age 35
• U.S. Resident for 14 consecutive years

These requirements ensure that candidates have a strong connection to the country.

Question 2

What is the Electoral College?

Answer 2

The people chosen to cast each state’s votes in a presidential election

Each state gets electors equal to its total Congressional representation, and it is not a direct popular vote.

Question 3

What are the military powers of the President?

Answer 3

• Commander in Chief - Controls military operations

This role gives the President significant authority over military actions.

Question 4

What are the legislative powers of the President?

Answer 4

• Veto legislation
• State of the Union
• Convene Congress

These powers allow the President to influence the legislative process.

Question 5

What are the appointment powers of the President?

Answer 5

• Appointing positions - Ambassadors, cabinet members, federal judges

All appointments require Senate confirmation.

Question 6

What are the foreign policy powers of the President?

Answer 6

• Negotiate treaties
• Receive ambassadors

Treaties require Senate ratification.

Question 7

What is the legal power of the President to grant clemency?

Answer 7

Pardon - Grant restoration of all rights to individuals charged/convicted of crimes

This power allows the President to forgive offenses against the United States.

Question 8

What is an executive agreement?

Answer 8

Formal international agreements entered into by the president

They do not require Senate advice and consent, making them faster than treaties.

Question 9

What is an executive order?

Answer 9

Rules or regulations issued by the president that have the effect of law

They do not require Congressional approval but can be overturned by Congress or courts.

Question 10

What are signing statements?

Answer 10

Occasional written comments attached to a bill signed by the president

They are used to interpret or challenge parts of legislation.

Question 11

What is the bully pulpit?

Answer 11

The president’s use of prestige and visibility to guide or enthuse the American public

Public support is a significant source of influence for a president.

Question 12

What are presidential coattails?

Answer 12

The charismatic power of a president that enables congressional candidates of the same party to ride into office on the strength of the president’s popularity

This phenomenon can help candidates win elections.

Question 13

What is a regular veto?

Answer 13

Formal, constitutional authority to reject bills passed by both houses of Congress

Congress can override with a 2/3 vote in both houses.

Question 14

What is a pocket veto?

Answer 14

If president does not sign bill within 10 days of receiving it AND Congress has adjourned, the bill does not become law

This type of veto cannot be overridden by Congress.

Question 15

What is a line-item veto?

Answer 15

Would allow president to approve some provisions and disapprove others

This was ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.

Question 16

What are the Congressional checks on presidential power?

Answer 16

• Override veto
• Declare war
• Advise and consent

These checks ensure that Congress has a role in limiting presidential authority.

Question 17

What is the impeachment process?

Answer 17

Power delegated to House to charge president, VP, or other ‘civil officers’ with treason, bribery, or other high crimes/misdemeanors

The process involves the House charging and the Senate trying, requiring a 2/3 vote to remove.

Question 18

What is the War Powers Resolution Act?

Answer 18

The 48-60-30 Rule: President must notify Congress within 48 hours before sending troops somewhere hostile

Troops can remain for 60 days before Congress votes on whether they stay.

Question 19

What are the three organizational structures of the executive branch?

Answer 19

• Pyramid Structure
• Circular Structure
• Ad Hoc Structure

Each structure has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of organization.

Question 20

What is the White House Office?

Answer 20

Personal assistants to the president with offices in the White House

They serve at the pleasure of the President and do not need Senate confirmation.

Question 21

What is the Executive Office of the President?

Answer 21

Executive agencies that report directly to the president

Top positions in this office do need Senate confirmation.

Question 22

What is the role of the National Security Council (NSC)?

Answer 22

Advises the President on matters of national safety

It is involved in intelligence gathering for U.S. national security.

Question 23

What is the Unified Government?

Answer 23

Same political party controls executive branch and both houses of legislature

This generally leads to more legislation passed and a more efficient government.

Question 24

What is a Divided Government?

Answer 24

One party controls presidency and a different party controls one or both houses of Congress

This can lead to gridlock.

Question 25

What is **gridlock**?

Answer 25

The inability of government to act because rival parties control different parts of government ## Footnote This situation is common in divided government scenarios.

Question 26

What is a **lame duck**?

Answer 26

A politician whose power has diminished because they're about to leave office ## Footnote They have reduced influence in the final months of their term.

Question 27

What is the relationship between the **President and the Media**?

Answer 27

Adversaries ## Footnote The Press Secretary manages media relations for the president.

Question 28

Who is the author of **Federalist Paper No. 70**?

Answer 28

Alexander Hamilton ## Footnote The paper argues for a strong, singular executive to ensure effective governance.

Question 29

What was **Executive Order 9066**?

Answer 29

The order for internment of Japanese Americans ## Footnote This order was issued during World War II and led to the forced relocation and incarceration of Japanese Americans.

Question 30

What is **Executive Privilege**?

Answer 30

The power of the president to withhold documents or information (not absolute) ## Footnote This privilege is often invoked to protect sensitive information related to national security or internal deliberations.

Question 31

What was **impoundment**?

Answer 31

Withholding or delaying release of funds from Congress (no longer allowed) ## Footnote Impoundment was a controversial practice that led to legal challenges and changes in budgetary laws.

Question 32

What does the **OMB** do?

Answer 32

Office of Management and Budget - assists president with creating a budget ## Footnote The OMB plays a crucial role in overseeing the administration's financial management and budgetary processes.

Question 33

What is the **'Bully Pulpit'**?

Answer 33

The concept that public support is perhaps the greatest source of influence a president has ## Footnote This term highlights the president's ability to communicate directly with the public to shape opinions and garner support.

Question 34

What is the relationship between the **President and Media**?

Answer 34

They are adversaries - president has Press Secretary, media does not focus on substance of politics ## Footnote This dynamic often leads to tension and conflict over the portrayal of presidential actions and policies.

Question 35

What are **'coattails'** in presidential politics?

Answer 35

When a congressperson uses the president's popularity to their advantage ## Footnote This phenomenon can help candidates win elections by associating themselves with the president's favorable image.

Question 36

What is the constitutional struggle in foreign policy between **President and Congress regarding treaties**?

Answer 36

President negotiates treaties, Congress ratifies (advise and consent) ## Footnote This division of power ensures that both branches have a role in shaping international agreements.

Question 37

What is the constitutional struggle in foreign policy between **President and Congress regarding military action**?

Answer 37

President is Commander in Chief, Congress declares war ## Footnote This separation of powers can lead to conflicts over military engagements and the authority to initiate conflict.

Question 38

What is the constitutional struggle in foreign policy between **President and Congress regarding ambassadors**?

Answer 38

President appoints ambassadors, Congress confirms appointments ## Footnote This process ensures that the legislative branch has a say in diplomatic representation.

Question 39

How does the President's **foreign policy power** compare to other nations?

Answer 39

President is more victorious with foreign policy domestically, but weak compared to other nations ## Footnote This reflects the unique structure of U.S. governance and the challenges of international diplomacy.

Question 40

What is the role of the **Joint Chiefs of Staff**?

Answer 40

Provide military advice to the president ## Footnote This group consists of the highest-ranking military officers and plays a key role in defense strategy.

Question 41

What is the role of the **Secretary of State**?

Answer 41

Provide diplomacy advice and act as negotiator ## Footnote The Secretary of State is the primary advisor on foreign affairs and represents the U.S. in international matters.

Question 42

What is the role of the **Secretary of Defense**?

Answer 42

Provide civilian side of military advice ## Footnote This position oversees the Department of Defense and is responsible for military policy and operations.

Question 43

What is the role of **CIA, FBI, and NSC**?

Answer 43

Intelligence gathering for president - CIA and NSC handle international matters, FBI handles domestic matters - all advise president regarding U.S. national security ## Footnote These agencies play critical roles in ensuring national security and informing policy decisions.

Question 44

How do **masses and elite** differ in foreign policy?

Answer 44

Uninformed general public is less involved in diplomacy compared to more educated and politically involved elite - general public supports wars easily ## Footnote This disparity can influence public opinion and policy decisions in foreign affairs.

Question 45

What is the role of **Chief of State** and give an example?

Answer 45

Ceremonial head of government representing the nation - example: hosting foreign dignitaries, attending state functions, throwing first pitch at baseball games ## Footnote This role emphasizes the symbolic aspects of the presidency.

Question 46

What is the role of **Chief Executive** and give an example?

Answer 46

Runs the executive branch and enforces laws - example: appointing cabinet members, issuing executive orders, managing federal agencies ## Footnote This role is central to the administration of government functions.

Question 47

What is the role of **Chief Diplomat** and give an example?

Answer 47

Directs foreign policy and represents the US abroad - example: negotiating treaties, meeting with foreign leaders, making executive agreements ## Footnote This role is crucial for maintaining international relations.

Question 48

What is the role of **Commander in Chief** and give an example?

Answer 48

Head of the armed forces - example: deploying troops, making military strategy decisions, authorizing military operations ## Footnote This role underscores the president's authority over military actions.

Question 49

What is the role of **Chief Legislator** and give an example?

Answer 49

Influences lawmaking and sets legislative agenda - example: proposing legislation, vetoing bills, delivering State of the Union address ## Footnote This role allows the president to shape legislative priorities.

Question 50

What is the role of **Chief of Party** and give an example?

Answer 50

Leader of their political party - example: campaigning for party candidates, fundraising for the party, influencing party platform ## Footnote This role highlights the president's influence within their political party.

Question 51

What is the role of **Chief Citizen** and give an example?

Answer 51

Representative of all Americans and their interests - example: responding to national tragedies, promoting national values, representing public interest ## Footnote This role emphasizes the president's responsibility to the public.

Question 52

What is the role of **Crisis Manager** and give an example?

Answer 52

Responds to emergencies and national crises - example: handling natural disasters, addressing economic crises, managing national security threats ## Footnote This role is critical during times of national emergency.

Question 53

What is the role of **Moral Persuader** and give an example?

Answer 53

Sets moral tone and influences public values - example: giving speeches on social issues, championing causes, using bully pulpit to shape public opinion ## Footnote This role allows the president to advocate for social change.

Question 54

What is the **White House Staff**, how are they appointed/confirmed, and what is their role?

Answer 54

Appointed by president without Senate confirmation - closest advisors who work directly with president on daily basis - examples: Chief of Staff, Press Secretary, National Security Advisor ## Footnote This staff plays a vital role in the administration's daily operations.

Question 55

What is the **Executive Office of the President**, how are they appointed/confirmed, and what is their role?

Answer 55

Appointed by president, some positions require Senate confirmation - agencies that directly support the president - examples: Office of Management and Budget (OMB), National Security Council (NSC), Council of Economic Advisers ## Footnote This office provides essential support for the president's agenda.

Question 56

What is the **Cabinet**, how are they appointed/confirmed, and what is their role?

Answer 56

Appointed by president and confirmed by Senate - heads of executive departments who advise president and run major departments - examples: Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, Secretary of Treasury, Attorney General ## Footnote The Cabinet plays a crucial role in the administration's decision-making process.