ap gov unit 2 test review

Who was the first president of the United States under the Articles of Confederation?

Samuel Huntington (March 1, 1781 – July 9, 1781).

Who was the first president of the United States under the Constitution?

George Washington.

What are the three branches of government, and where does the executive branch rank in size?

Legislative, Executive, and Judicial; the executive branch is the middle in size.

What branch of government is the Vice President a member of?

The Vice President is a member of the Executive and Legislative branches.

What are the official constitutional requirements to become president?

Must be a natural-born citizen, at least 35 years old, and have 14 years of U.S. residency.

What is the length of a presidential term?

Four years.

What are the four main powers of the president listed in the Constitution?

Military power, diplomatic power, appointment power, and veto power.

What is the president's military power?

The president is the Commander in Chief and can send armed forces abroad without a formal declaration of war.

What diplomatic powers does the president hold?

The president can create treaties (with 2/3 Senate approval), make executive agreements (no Senate approval needed), and recognize foreign governments.

What is the president’s appointment power?

The president appoints ambassadors, public officers, and Supreme Court judges with Senate approval.

What is the president’s veto power?

The president can veto bills by returning them to the house of origin. If no action is taken within 10 days, the bill becomes law.

What is an executive agreement?

An agreement between heads of state that does not require Senate approval and is not binding on future administrations.

How many members are there in the House, Senate, and presidency?

House: 435, Senate: 100, Presidency: 1.

How long are the terms for members of the House, Senate, and presidency?

House: 2 years, Senate: 6 years, President: 4 years.

Can the president deploy troops without congressional approval?

Yes, the president can deploy troops without House or Senate approval.

What did the 12th Amendment establish about presidential elections?

It made the president and vice president a package deal ('ticket').

Which department handles foreign policy?

The State Department.

What is the largest federal department?

The Department of Defense.

What is the smallest federal department?

The Department of Education.

What is the significance of the Take Care Clause?

It has been used to increase presidential powers.

What Supreme Court case confirmed the president’s right to executive privilege?

US v. Nixon.

What is the current status of line-item vetoes?

They were deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.

What is trial ballooning?

Leaking information to the press to gauge public reaction.

What are the three points of the iron triangle?

Interest groups, congressional committees, and bureaucratic agencies.

Which tax brings the most revenue to the federal government?

Individual income taxes.

Who compiles the president’s budget for proposal?

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

Does the chief of staff require Senate approval?

No, the chief of staff does not require Senate approval.

Who has tie-breaking vote power in the Senate?

The vice president, as granted by the Constitution.

What did the Pendleton Act eliminate?

The patronage system.

What is the role of the Federal Election Commission (FEC)?

It is an independent regulatory agency overseeing elections.

What powers do the president and Congress share?

Budget, legislative (veto), and some appointment powers (with Senate approval required for some).

Which article of the Constitution deals with the presidency?

Article II.

How many sections are in Article II, and what do they state?

Four sections detailing the president's qualifications, powers, responsibilities, and impeachment process.

What marks the modern presidency?

Large White House staff, bureaucratic measures for press interaction, formalized Congressional relations, increased power as Commander-in-Chief, more travel, media dependence, and continuous campaigning.

What are the seven roles of the president?

Chief of State, Chief Executive, Chief Diplomat, Commander-in-Chief, Chief Legislator, Party Chief, and Chief Guardian of the Economy.

What are the ceremonial duties of the president?

State of the Union Address, celebrating national holidays, and representing U.S. ideals.

What does the president oversee as Chief Executive?

The largest branch of government (millions of employees) and appoints officials like ambassadors and department heads (Senate ratification required).

What is the president’s role in foreign policy?

Helps determine foreign policy, hosts foreign governments, attends international events, and negotiates treaties.

What authority does the president have as Commander-in-Chief?

Controls the armed forces, sends troops abroad, and directs military leaders.

What does the president do as Party Chief?

Supports party members in elections, rewards loyalty with appointments, and serves as honorary party chair.

How can the president influence Congress as Chief Legislator?

Urges Congress to pass laws and can veto bills.

What does the president do as Chief Guardian of the Economy?

Focuses on unemployment, taxes, prices, and general prosperity, though not directly controlling the economy.

Can one person perform the duties of president to everyone’s satisfaction?

Many question if the job is too large and complex for one person to succeed.

What is the 'Take Care' Clause?

It allows the president to deploy troops to enforce laws, such as desegregating schools.

What are executive orders, and do they require Congressional approval?

Directives issued by the president that have the force of law; they do not require Congressional approval.

What are notable examples of executive orders?

FDR: Japanese internment, Truman: Military integration, Eisenhower: Desegregation of schools.

Why do critics argue that executive orders can be problematic?

They claim presidents abuse them to essentially create laws without Congressional input.

What is executive privilege, and why is it used?

The president's right to keep communications private for candid advice and separation of powers.

What was the outcome of US v. Nixon regarding executive privilege?

Executive privilege cannot block federal court procedures; Nixon had to release tapes.

What is a pocket veto?

If Congress adjourns within 10 days of the president not signing a bill, the bill is killed.

What is the purpose of the War Powers Act of 1973?

To check the president’s power as Commander-in-Chief by requiring Congressional approval for troop deployment beyond 60 days.

What are the steps outlined in the War Powers Act?

Report to Congress within 48 hours of deploying troops, obtain approval within 60 days, or withdraw troops.

Why has the War Powers Act been criticized?

Many presidents have ignored it, claiming it restricts their authority as Commander-in-Chief.

What is the significance of the War Powers Act of 1973?

It limits the president’s power to deploy troops, requiring Congressional approval for military engagements longer than 60 days.

What is the 'hierarchical' structure in presidential administration?

A structure where all levels answer to a 'chief of staff' who acts as a gatekeeper.

What is the 'roundtable/circular' structure in presidential administration?

A structure where staffers collaborate in 'groupthink' to solve problems and advise the president.

What is the 'informal/ad hoc' structure in presidential administration?

A structure where task forces, committees, and close advisors deal directly with the president.

What is the president’s role as Chief Executive?

The president oversees the administration of government, managing a federal bureaucracy of over 4 million employees.

How many positions does the president appoint in the federal bureaucracy?

The president appoints 500 high-level positions and 2,500 lesser jobs.

What is the primary role of the Vice President?

The Vice President replaces the president if necessary, helps decide presidential disability, and presides over the Senate, voting in case of ties.

What happens if the office of Vice President becomes vacant?

The president nominates a new Vice President, subject to Senate approval.