Unit 2: Module 2 (Executive Branch)

What are the age, residency, and citizenship qualifications required to be President of the United States?

Age: 35, Residency: 14 years in the U.S., Citizenship: Natural-born citizens.

What does the 'Foreign Born Clause' refer to in the context of presidential qualifications?

It refers to restrictions placed on individuals who are not natural-born citizens.

What was the Framers' primary concern regarding presidential candidates?

They feared outside noblemen from Europe and were not specifically worried about immigrants.

How many total electors are there in the Electoral College?

538 total electors (435 Representatives + 100 Senators + 3 for D.C. from the 23rd Amendment).

How many electoral votes does a candidate need to win the presidency?

270 electoral votes are required to win.

What does the 12th Amendment establish regarding presidential elections?

It created separate ballots for the Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates.

What is the purpose of the Lame Duck Period?

It is the time when the outgoing president remains in office after a new president has been elected.

What did the 20th Amendment change about presidential inauguration?

It moved the inauguration date from March 5th to January 20th.

What does the 25th Amendment outline regarding presidential incapacity?

It provides for the Vice President to assume presidential duties and for a group of executive officers to declare the president fit for duty.

What is the duration of a presidential term according to the Constitution?

A presidential term lasts 4 years.

What does the 22nd Amendment state about presidential terms?

It limits presidents to two terms or a total of 10 years in office.

What distinguishes formal powers of the President from informal powers?

Formal powers are explicitly stated in Article 2 of the Constitution; informal powers are not written but implied.

What is the President's veto power?

The President has 10 days to sign a bill into law or veto it; if not signed or vetoed, the bill becomes law.

What happens during a pocket veto?

The President lets a bill die by not signing it during the last 10 days of a Congressional session.

What is the Line Item Veto, and why is it significant?

It allowed presidents to veto specific parts of a budget bill but was declared unconstitutional in 1997.

What is an Executive Order?

An Executive Order carries the same effect as law and allows the President to direct federal agencies without Congress.

What is Executive Privilege?

The right of the president to withhold information from Congress, based on separation of powers.

What does the Presidential Succession Act of 1947 establish?

It assigns an order of succession to the presidency beyond the Vice President.

What is the role of the Chief Diplomat?

The President represents the U.S., receives ambassadors, and negotiates treaties and executive agreements.

What is the key difference between treaties and executive agreements?

Treaties require ⅔ Senate approval; executive agreements do not.

What is the main idea of Federalist No. 70?

Federalist No. 70 argues for a strong, single executive as essential for effective governance and accountability.

How are the powers of the President checked?

The President's powers are checked by Congress through legislation, impeachment, and oversight. The Judiciary can also rule actions unconstitutional.

What is meant by 'Continuity and Change' in the Office of the President?

Continuity refers to the consistent functions and powers of the presidency, while change addresses how the role and scope of presidential power evolve over time due to social, political, and legal factors.

What are informal powers of the President?

Informal powers are those not explicitly stated in the Constitution but are implied, such as executive agreements and the influence of public opinion.

What are formal powers of the President?

Formal powers are those explicitly granted by the Constitution, including veto power, appointment power, and the ability to grant pardons.

What role does public opinion play in the exercise of presidential power?

Public opinion can significantly influence the President's ability to enact policies and make decisions, affecting both formal and informal powers.

How has the scope of presidential power changed over time?

The scope of presidential power has expanded due to crises, wars, and increased federal authority, leading to a broader interpretation of the Constitution.