Quarter 2 Gov Test

How has the role and scope of the presidency changed over time?

The presidency has expanded due to national crises, media influence, and informal powers. Early presidents had limited powers; modern presidents engage more directly in domestic and foreign policy.

Which president established the two-term precedent?

George Washington

Which amendment formalized the two-term limit? Why was it added?

22^{nd} Amendment (1951), added after FDR was elected four times to prevent excessive concentration of power.

What are formal powers of the president?

• Veto legislation
• Commander-in-Chief
• Make treaties (with Senate)
• Appoint judges/ambassadors/Cabinet (with Senate)
• Grant pardons/reprieves

What are informal powers of the president?

• Executive orders
• Executive agreements
• Signing statements
• Bully pulpit
• Setting legislative agenda

How can public opinion help or hinder the president?

High approval strengthens influence and legislation; low approval weakens bargaining power. Rally-round-the-flag events boost approval during crises.

Describe some formal and informal checks on presidential power.

1. Congress:
   • Override veto, control budget, approve appointments/treaties, impeach.
2. Judicial:
   • Declare actions unconstitutional.
3. Informal:
   • Media scrutiny, public opinion, party constraints.

What are the main arguments of Federalist 70?

Hamilton argued for a strong, energetic, unitary executive for accountability, efficiency, and protection against legislative encroachment.

What does a presidential election year timeline include?

Primaries/caucuses → National conventions → General election campaign → Electoral College vote → Inauguration

What is a candidate-centered campaign?

A campaign focusing on the candidate’s personality and image rather than the party platform.

What is the difference between open and closed primaries?

• Open: Any voter can vote.
• Closed: Only registered party members can vote.

What is the Electoral College and how does it work?

Electors formally elect president; states get electors equal to Congressional representation; most states use winner-take-all.

Arguments supporting the Electoral College?

Protects small states, maintains federalism, encourages coalition-building.

Arguments opposing the Electoral College?

Can elect president who loses popular vote, overemphasizes swing states, decreases voter turnout in safe states.

What is a swing state?

A state where either major party has a good chance of winning; heavily targeted in campaigns.

What is the 12^{th} Amendment?

Separate Electoral College ballots for president and vice president.

What do the 20^{th}, 22^{nd}, and 25^{th} Amendments cover?

• 20^{th}: Inauguration & Congress terms
• 22^{nd}: Two-term limit
• 25^{th}: VP succession & presidential disability

How is a VP vacancy filled?

President nominates, both houses of Congress approve (25^{th} Amendment).

Define implementation, regulation, administration in the bureaucracy.

• Implementation: Carry out laws
• Regulation: Create rules to enforce laws
• Administration: Day-to-day operations

Which bureaucratic positions require Senate confirmation?

Cabinet secretaries and top executive appointments.

Which bureaucratic positions do not require Senate confirmation?

White House staff, many lower-level employees, independent agency staff.

Difference between White House staff and Cabinet?

• White House staff: Advisors, no Senate approval, serve at discretion.
• Cabinet: Heads of departments, Senate-confirmed, advise on policy.

Examples of bureaucratic organizations?

• Cabinet departments: State, Defense
• Independent regulatory commissions: FCC, SEC
• Independent executive agencies: NASA, CIA
• Government corporations: USPS, Amtrak

What is bureaucratic “red tape”?

Complex rules/procedures making government actions slow or inefficient.

Civil service protections?

• Pendleton Act: Merit-based hiring
• Civil Service Reform Act (1978): Modernized federal workforce
• OPM: Oversees personnel

What is the Hatch Act?

Limits political activity of federal employees.

What is the GAO?

Government Accountability Office; audits federal spending and agencies.

What is administrative discretion?

Flexibility to interpret and implement laws within authority.

What is an executive order?

Presidential directive to manage federal operations without Congress.

What is an executive agreement?

International agreement made by president without Senate approval.

What is executive privilege?

President’s right to keep certain communications confidential.

What is a signing statement?

President’s written interpretation of a law, sometimes indicating enforcement or constitutional issues.

What is impoundment of funds? Which act limits it?

Refusal to spend funds appropriated by Congress; Impoundment Control Act of 1974 limits this.

What is a line-item veto?

Power to veto parts of a bill; unconstitutional at federal level.

What is a pocket veto?

President does not sign a bill within 10 days while Congress adjourns.

How is the president involved in the budget?

Submits budget via OMB, works with Congress, influences agency spending.

What is the NSC?

National Security Council; advises president on foreign policy & national security.

Role of Cabinet secretaries?

Head departments, advise president, oversee programs.

How does Congress check the president?

Override veto, control budget, approve appointments/treaties, impeach/remove, limit executive power.

How does the judicial branch check the president?

Can declare actions unconstitutional, review executive orders, limit enforcement powers.

What is Senate “advice and consent”?

Senate approval for appointments (Cabinet, judges) and treaties.

What is treaty ratification?

Approval of treaties by \frac{2}{3} of Senate.

What is impeachment?

House formally accuses president; Senate can try and remove.

What is the State of the Union Address?

Annual speech reporting nation’s condition & proposing policy.

What is the “bully pulpit”?

Platform for president to influence public opinion and policy.

What are national party conventions?

Events to nominate presidential candidates, unify party, adopt platform.

What is a government corporation?

Government-owned business providing services like a private company (e.g., USPS).

What is the War Powers Resolution?

Limits president’s ability to commit troops without Congress (1973).

Caucus

Take Care Clause