Study questions

Powers of the President

Formal powers granted by the Constitution include serving as commander-in-chief, vetoing legislation, making treaties with Senate approval, and appointing officials and judges.

Informal Powers

Powers not granted by the Constitution, including executive orders and agreements, expanded in crises like the Civil War and Great Depression.

Going Public

A strategy where the president communicates directly with citizens to influence public opinion and pressure Congress.

Unitary Executive Theory

The theory that the president has complete control over the executive branch, which may increase efficiency but risks abuse of power.

Advantages of Electoral College

Provides stability and encourages coalition-building across states.

Disadvantages of Electoral College

Can produce outcomes where the popular vote winner loses, leading campaigns to focus on swing states.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to declare laws unconstitutional, established in Marbury v. Madison (1803).

Selection of Federal Judges

Judges are nominated by the president, confirmed by the Senate, and serve lifetime tenure.

Supreme Court's Management of Lower Courts

Delegates most cases to lower courts, creating a reliance on precedent and the appeals process.

Significance of Unanimous Decisions

Increases legitimacy and shows unity in the Court, though less common due to political divisions.

Certiorari Cases

Cases likely involving national importance, disagreements between lower courts, or cases involving the federal government.

Court Enforcement of Decisions

The Court relies on the executive branch and public compliance to enforce its rulings.

Pivotal Politics Model

Explains policymaking through key actors like the median voter, filibuster pivot, and veto pivot.

Presidential Power in Foreign Policy

Stronger than Congress due to control of the military and diplomatic powers.

Shifts in Power Over Time

Presidential power has grown through wars, crises, and government expansion, but Congress retains influence.

Federalist 10 and 51

Emphasizes controlling factions and maintaining checks and balances, highlighting tensions from political polarization.

Responsible Party Theory

Supports strong parties providing clear choices, contrasting with Madison's concerns about factions harming democracy.

Functions of Political Parties

Organize government, simplify choices for voters, and help coordinate policymaking.

Two-Party System

Creates resistance to third parties due to winner-take-all elections and strategic voting by citizens.

Pluralism

The idea that many competing groups create balanced outcomes, though critics argue some hold more resources.

Olson's Argument

Individuals in large groups often free-ride, which makes collective action difficult.

Tyranny of the Minority

Phenomenon where small, organized groups dominate policy due to higher activity and motivation.

Solutions to Free-Rider Problem

Include coercion, moral incentives, and selective incentives to encourage participation.

Incumbency Advantage

Incumbents benefit from name recognition, fundraising, and constituent services leading to high reelection rates.

Challenges Facing Incumbents

Despite advantages, they remain concerned due to election uncertainties and challenger dynamics.

House vs Senate Differences

The House has stricter rules and faster processes, while the Senate allows for more debate and minority influence.

Redistricting Constraints

Require districts to have equal populations and comply with the Voting Rights Act.

Gerrymandering Effects

Can help parties gain seats but reduces competition and fairness in representation.