The Presidency Review Questions

Unified government

Something of a myth

Electoral College

The system created by the Framers to elect the president.

Political parties

Major role players in producing nationwide support for presidential candidates.

Presidential powers

Powers that only the president is constitutionally entitled to exercise.

Approving Supreme Court Justices

A power that is not exclusive to the president.

Political power of the president

The greatest source of presidential power lies in politics and public opinion.

Senior White House staff

Today, they are drawn from the ranks of the president’s campaign staff.

Presidential personality

A factor that plays a larger role in explaining the presidency than in Congress.

Campaign trail appeal

When a candidate mentions positive goals to appeal principally to the general public.

Bill becomes law

What happens if the president does not act on a bill for ten days while Congress is in session.

Pocket vetoes

Cannot be issued just before Recess according to a federal court ruling.

Executive privilege

Claims based on the separation of powers and the need for candid advice from aides.

Budget Reform Act of 1974

Severely limited presidential impoundment of funds.

Policy leak

A tactic a president might use when uncertain about a policy's controversy.

22nd Amendment

Outlaws a president serving more than two terms.

Vice President's duty

To preside over the Senate.

Daniel Webster's comment

Made when he turned down the position of Vice-President.

Line-item veto

Not available to the U.S. president as ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.

Senate confirmation

The process a president must consider when nominating federal judges.

Presidential vetoes

Rarely overturned unless in cases of controversial legislation with divided government.

Executive privilege in United States v. Nixon (1974)

Refused to turn over recordings based on his claimed power.

President's success in judiciary

Changed direction by appointing judges with similar philosophies.

Press secretary appointment

Does not require Senate confirmation.

Bully pulpit

The president's ability to leverage their popularity for policy approval.

Separation of Powers

The principle challenged by recent presidents' request for a line-item veto.

Bill without President's signature

Can become law if not vetoed within ten days during a regular session.

Term limits application

Currently applies to the President.

Cabinet members influence

Limited due to conflicts between broader presidential and specific cabinet goals.

Presidential removal process

Involves impeachment by the House and a trial and verdict by the Senate.