POLS Ch.11: The Presidency

What is the difference between the implied and inherent powers of the presidency?

Implied powers are needed to carry out a president's expressed powers, whereas inherent powers go beyond implied ones.

Presidents are about as powerful as they were in the nineteenth century.

False

Label the following descriptions as applying to the Executive Office of the President (EOP), the Cabinet, or both.

Composed of the heads of all major Federal Government departments:

Cabinet

Is part of the executive branch:

Both

Perform defined management tasks for the President:

Executive Office of the President

The president wishes to enter into a trade deal with Mexico, but many Senators have expressed opposition to the agreement. What would be the best course of action for the president?

Executive agreement

The 1976 National Emergencies Act, restricting presidential national emergency declarations, attempts to restrict which type of presidential power?

Inherent

What is the purpose of the War Powers Resolution?

Correct Answer(s)

to restore Congress's role in military policy

Incorrect Answer(s)

to grant presidents additional authority to use the military

to make it easier for the president to declare war

The first spouse's role in the government has changed over time. Which of the following statements accurately describe the role they play today?

Correct Answer(s)

Most first spouses adopt a policy area to focus on.

They often serve the head-of-state function of the presidency.

Incorrect Answer(s)

First spouses typically manage the day-to-day affairs of the White House staff.

They often serve the head-of-government function of the presidency.

In what way can a president set the country's policy agenda?

Submitting the first draft of the federal budget to Congress

Presidential authority for executive orders derives solely from the Constitution.

False

In which of the following ways can a vice president help a president?

Correct Answer(s)

provide electoral support in regions of the country where a presidential candidate is weak

provide gender, ideological, or ethnic balance to a ticket

Incorrect Answer(s)

vote for presidential legislation as it moves to the floor of the House of Representatives

Which of the following statements about the president's Cabinet are correct?

Correct Answer(s)

The Cabinet consists of the secretaries of the major departments of the federal government.

Each Cabinet member appointed by the president must be approved by the Senate.

The Cabinet makes no formal group decisions.

Incorrect Answer(s)

The Constitution calls for a Cabinet but does not make specific requirements for its procedure.

The Cabinet is partially responsible to the Senate.

How does the White House staff differ from the Executive Office of the President?

The White House staff performs work and gives advice that is generally broader and more political in nature.

Broadly speaking, Congress has actively opposed the expansion of presidential authority.

False

Which of the following statements about the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) are accurate?

Correct Answer(s)

It prepares the national budget for the president.

It is located within the Executive Office of the President (EOP).

Incorrect Answer(s)

It is a Cabinet-level position.

Heading the OMB is a lifetime appointment.