Question 1

Describe the various executive agencies that assist the president. Which of these agencies wield the most power? Which of these agencies are losing influence they once wielded? How do these agencies influence the legislative process and further the president's agenda?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the various executive agencies that assist...

Question 2

Should the American people rally around a unitary executive or should they fear an imperial presidency? Support your position.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Should the American people rally around a...

Question 3

Define the president's constitutional powers. Which powers does the Constitution explicitly bestow upon the president? Which implied powers has the presidency claimed over time? Are all the powers currently wielded by the president constitutional ones, or has the executive office expanded its powers beyond constitutional limits?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Define the president's constitutional powers. Which powers...

Question 4

The only two presidents ever to be impeached are Bill Clinton and

Accepted Answer

Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton are the only two presidents to be impeached by the House of Representatives, but both were acquitted by the Senate. James Madison, James Buchanan, Warren Harding, and Richard Nixon were never impeached.

Question 5

Which of the following statements about the vice presidency is LEAST accurate?

Accepted Answer

The statement that the vice president has historically been the president's most important advisor is the least accurate. While the role of the vice president has evolved and in some administrations the vice president has been a key advisor, this has not always been the case historically. The significance of the vice president's advisory role has varied greatly depending on the administration and the personal relationship between the president and the vice president.

Question 6

Richard Nixon's presidential style was characterized by

Accepted Answer

Nixon's style was known for its strict hierarchical control and access. He closely managed his staff and limited access to the Oval Office, preferring to keep decision-making within a small circle of trusted advisors.

Question 7

Explain the process by which the American people select their presidents. What are the strengths and flaws of this process? Is the process appropriately democratic? Does it adequately ensure that the will of the American people will dominate? What changes might be adopted to improve the presidential electoral process?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain the process by which the American...

Question 8

Define the various duties of the American president. What are the president's most important roles? Which of these roles is most carefully supervised or limited by other branches of government or by the American people? Which roles are most susceptible to abuse?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Define the various duties of the American...

Question 9

Typically, the most powerful person in the White House staff is the

Accepted Answer

The chief of staff is typically considered the most powerful person in the White House staff. They have direct access to the president and are responsible for managing the other staff members and overseeing the overall functioning of the White House. The vice president, secretary of defense, press secretary, and first lady all have important roles, but they do not have the same level of authority and influence as the chief of staff.

Question 10

A presidential greatness poll reported in the text had which president ranked number 1 by scholars?

Accepted Answer

Abraham Lincoln is frequently ranked number 1 in presidential greatness polls conducted among scholars due to his leadership during the Civil War and his role in abolishing slavery.

Question 11

Briefly describe some of the style of modern-era presidents mentioned in the chapter. How much influence does presidential style have on the success of a presidency?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Briefly describe some of the style of...

Question 12

The principle of executive privilege is primarily used to

Accepted Answer

The principle of executive privilege allows the president to withhold certain information and communications from other branches of government, particularly Congress, in order to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive discussions and decision-making processes. This is a way to safeguard the ability of the president to receive candid advice and make fully informed decisions without fear of public disclosure or political repercussions.

Question 13

The most severe limit on presidential power is

Accepted Answer

Impeachment and removal from office represent the most severe limit on presidential power as it allows Congress to remove the president from office for violating the law or betraying the public trust. This is a significant check on presidential power, as it is only the Congress, not the President, who has the power to impeach and remove a President from office. The two terms limit and other checks, such as the power of Congress to override vetoes and confirm appointments, are important, but they are not as severe in limiting presidential power as the ability to remove a President from office.

Question 14

Proponents of a unitary executive

Accepted Answer

Proponents of a unitary executive believe that the presidency must have significant power and flexibility of action without being constrained by legislative mandates. They argue that the ability of the presidency to act quickly and decisively is crucial for effective governance. Therefore, they support a concentration of power in the executive branch.

Question 15

The state secrets privilege

Accepted Answer

The state secrets privilege is a legal principle that allows the government to withhold information from discovery in legal proceedings if such disclosure would harm national security. This privilege is generally respected by the courts, which often defer to the executive branch's judgment on matters of national security.

Question 16

Describe how the role of the president has changed throughout American history. Which presidents have been exceptionally powerful ones? Which domestic and international factors contributed to their positions of strength?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe how the role of the president...

Question 17

A presidential greatness poll reported in the text had which president ranked number 1 by the American public?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A presidential greatness poll reported in the...

Question 18

President Obama's presidential style was described as

Accepted Answer

President Obama was often described as having a rational and unemotional style, with a focus on rigorous decision-making processes. He was known for his attention to policy details, which is not consistent with a lack of interest in such matters. Obama's style was not based on the military hierarchy or the corporate CEO model. It was different from George W. Bush's, who was known for his folksy and informal style.

Question 19

The National Security Council

Accepted Answer

The National Security Council is headed by a national security advisor, who does not require Senate confirmation. The NSC was created in 1947 by the National Security Act and is not an agency within the Department of Defense. It includes both the president and the vice president as members. While its role and influence have fluctuated over the years, it remains an important institution in US national security policymaking.

Quiz 12: The Presidency: Power and Paradox