AP GOV: UNIT 2B

What are the formal powers of the President in Article II?

Serve as commander in chief, make treaties with Senate approval, appoint officials and judges, veto bills, grant pardons, and receive ambassadors.

What are some informal powers of the President?

Make executive agreements, issue executive orders, use the bully pulpit, and influence Congress and public opinion.

How has the presidency changed from that imagined by the Framers?

It has become more powerful, with greater control over foreign policy, the economy, and government agencies.

What are the main arguments of Federalist No. 70?

The country needs one strong executive who can act quickly, take responsibility, and enforce laws effectively.

What are the roles of the Vice President?

Replace the President if needed, preside over the Senate, break tie votes, and help the President.

What is balancing the ticket? Why is it done?

Choosing a running mate with different strengths or appeal to attract more voters and increase election chances.

What is the Cabinet? How are they appointed?

A group of department leaders who advise the President. The President nominates them, and the Senate confirms them.

What is an executive order? Explain.

A directive from the President that manages the operations of the executive branch and has the force of law when legally authorized.

What are executive agreements? Why are they becoming more common?

Agreements with foreign countries that do not require Senate treaty approval. They are faster and easier to make than treaties.

How does a President's approval rating change during their term? What are the effects?

Ratings often rise after major events and fall over time. High ratings help the President gain support, while low ratings make it harder to pass policies.

How has social media changed the presidency? Explain.

It lets Presidents communicate directly with the public, share policies quickly, and influence public opinion, but also spreads criticism and misinformation faster.

What is the bureaucracy?

Government departments, agencies, and workers who carry out laws and provide public services.

What role does the bureaucracy play in our lives today? Explain.

It enforces laws, collects taxes, delivers mail, protects public safety, provides benefits, and regulates businesses.

Which parts of the bureaucracy have the largest workforce?

The Department of Defense and other large departments, including Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security, employ many federal workers.

What is an Independent Regulatory Commission?

An agency that operates somewhat independently of the President and creates and enforces rules for specific industries or activities.

What are Government Corporations?

Government

What are Independent Services Administrations?

Agencies that operate independently of Cabinet departments and provide specialized government services, such as NASA.

What are regulations? Explain.

Rules created by government agencies to explain how laws will be carried out and followed.

How can the President manage the bureaucracy? Explain.

Appoint agency leaders, issue executive orders, propose budgets, and oversee how agencies enforce laws.

How can Congress manage the bureaucracy? Explain.

Pass laws, control funding, hold hearings, investigate agencies, and approve certain appointments.

What is deregulation? What are the benefits and drawbacks? Explain.

Removing or reducing government rules. Benefits include lower business costs and more competition; drawbacks include fewer protections for workers, consumers, and the environment.

How is the national budget created?

The President proposes a budget, Congress reviews and changes it, and Congress passes spending and revenue laws.

What is a budget surplus?

When the government collects more money than it spends.

What is a budget deficit?

When the government spends more money than it collects.

What is a balanced budget?

When government revenue equals government spending.

What is the largest source of income for the Federal Government today?

Individual income taxes.

What is Social Security?

A federal program that provides retirement, disability, and survivor benefits funded mainly by payroll taxes.

What are entitlement programs?

Government programs that provide benefits to people who meet legal eligibility requirements, such as Social Security and Medicare.