New Government 12

What is the reason many at the Continental Congress were skeptical of directly electing presidents by the legislature?

They feared the opportunities created for corruption.

How did George Washington expand the power of the presidency?

He appointed the heads of various federal departments as his own advisors.

How did presidents after Washington expand the presidency's powers?

Adams waged undeclared war, Jefferson negotiated the Louisiana Purchase, and Monroe issued the Monroe Doctrine.

What were some factors that contributed to the growth of presidential power in the twentieth century?

Unity of presidency, authority delegated by congress, citizens' demand for leadership, President's ability to act quickly in crisis, their views on roles, and ability to use media.

What change did the election of 1824 bring to presidential selection?

The selection of the candidate with fewer electoral votes triggered the rise of party control over nominations.

What is an unintended consequence of the primary and caucus system?

Sometimes candidates unpopular with the party leadership reach the top.

What are some problems with the Electoral College?

Small states are over-represented, state-by-state set-up leads to safe wins for one party, and outcomes can differ from the national popular vote.

What must the heads of major federal departments do before becoming part of the president's cabinet?

They must be confirmed by the Senate.

What challenging task do new presidents face?

Nominating and gaining confirmation for their cabinet and hundreds of other officials.

How do presidents try to fulfill their campaign promises once in office?

They work around divided government.

What is Theodore Roosevelt's concept of the bully pulpit?

The office's premier position to pressure through public appeal.

How have first ladies expanded their role over the twentieth century?

From serving as private advisers to having their own agendas, programs, and policies.

How did presidents in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries reach the public?

They made speeches or published letters in newspapers.

What was the passage of the Tenure of Office Act of 1867 an instance of?

Struggles for power between the president and Congress.

What is an example of an executive agreement?

The president signs legally binding nuclear arms terms with Iran without seeking congressional approval.

How have the negotiation methods of presidents changed over time?

Presidents can surpass conflict with executive orders and agreements.

What strategies can presidents employ to win support?

Road trips, major speeches, and rewards, but finding a popular position works best.

What are enumerated powers?

Powers specifically established by the language of the Constitution.

What is the State of the Union address?

It is mandated by the Constitution.

What does the Council of Economic Advisers do?

Analyzes the economy to help the president anticipate economic events.

Why are a president’s judicial choices critical?

They impact the president's legacy.

What are the heads of the Departments of Defense, Justice, State, and Treasury referred to as?

The inner cabinet.

What does the OMB do?

Produces the president's budget and oversees its implementation.

Why is it difficult for the president or Congress to unilaterally construct policy?

Because of the system of checks and balances.

What is needed for presidential appointments to cabinet-level departments?

A vote by the Senate to approve the nomination.

What has the office of vice president been increasingly in charge of since the 1970s?

Important issues.

What are the two categories of presidential powers?

Formal and informal.