Deck 12: The Presidency

Question 1

Presidents since World War II have claimed expanded war powers. The United States has fought a number of wars since then without a congressional declaration of war. The War Powers Resolution is seen as a dead letter. How, then, might Congress limit the currently claimed war powers of the presidency?

Answer 1

There are several ways that Congress could potentially limit the currently claimed war powers of the presidency. One option would be for Congress to pass legislation specifically outlining the circumstances under which the president can use military force without a congressional declaration of war. This could include requiring the president to seek congressional approval within a certain timeframe after initiating military action.

Another approach could be for Congress to use its power of the purse to limit the president's ability to engage in prolonged military conflicts without congressional authorization. By withholding funding for certain military operations, Congress could effectively force the president to seek approval for continued military action.

Additionally, Congress could hold hearings and investigations to scrutinize the president's use of war powers and potentially pass resolutions expressing disapproval or calling for the withdrawal of military forces from certain conflicts.

Ultimately, any effort to limit the war powers of the presidency would likely require bipartisan cooperation and a willingness to assert Congress's constitutional authority over matters of war and peace. It would also require careful consideration of the potential consequences and implications for national security and international relations.

Question 2

Foreign crises often demonstrate the power-or weakness-of the presidency. How does an ongoing foreign crisis, such as that in Ukraine, demonstrate the power and limits of the presidency?

Answer 2

An ongoing foreign crisis, such as the situation in Ukraine, can demonstrate the power and limits of the presidency in several ways.

First, the president has the power to shape the United States' response to the crisis through diplomatic efforts, economic sanctions, and military support. The president can use their authority to rally international support and coordinate a unified response to the crisis, demonstrating the power of their leadership in shaping foreign policy.

However, the limits of the presidency are also evident in a foreign crisis. The president must navigate complex international relationships, congressional approval for certain actions, and public opinion, which can constrain their ability to take decisive action. Additionally, the president's power is limited by the actions and motivations of other countries involved in the crisis, as well as the constraints of international law and norms.

Furthermore, the president's ability to effectively address a foreign crisis is also influenced by domestic political considerations, such as the support of Congress and the American public. This can create limitations on the president's ability to take certain actions, especially if they are seen as unpopular or controversial.

In conclusion, an ongoing foreign crisis like the one in Ukraine can demonstrate both the power and limits of the presidency. While the president has the authority to shape the United States' response and lead international efforts, they are also constrained by various factors that can impact their ability to effectively address the crisis.

Question 3

Why are presidents who expanded the power of the presidency considered "successful" while presidents who failed to do so, or even consciously limited their power, often considered "failures"?

Answer 3

Presidents who expanded the power of the presidency are often considered "successful" because they were able to assert their authority and influence over the government and the country. This expansion of power can be seen as a demonstration of strong leadership and the ability to effectively implement their agenda. Additionally, it may be perceived as a sign of their ability to navigate and overcome obstacles in order to achieve their goals.

On the other hand, presidents who failed to expand their power or consciously limited their power may be considered "failures" because they were unable to effectively assert their authority and influence. This may be seen as a lack of leadership or an inability to effectively implement their agenda. It could also be perceived as a failure to navigate and overcome obstacles in order to achieve their goals.

Furthermore, the expansion of presidential power is often associated with significant policy achievements and a lasting impact on the country, which can contribute to a president's legacy and how they are remembered. In contrast, a president who fails to expand their power or consciously limits it may be seen as having a less impactful or successful presidency.

It's important to note that the perception of success or failure in this context can be subjective and influenced by individual perspectives and political beliefs. Additionally, the impact of a president's actions on the balance of power between branches of government and the overall functioning of democracy should also be considered when evaluating their success or failure.

Question 4

Despite some recent setbacks, the American presidency can still be called an "imperial presidency." How has President Obama advanced the power of the presidency, particularly in the area of foreign policy and national defense?

Question 5

Compare the powers of the presidency delineated in the Constitution with the checks on the power granted to Congress. How have presidents managed to circumvent many of those checks on their power? Why has Congress often been willing to go along with the expansion of presidential power?

Question 6

After winning reelection in 2004, President George W. Bush said: "I earned political capital in this campaign, and now I intend to spend it." Was he able to successfully employ that political capital to advance the public policy goals of his administration? If so, how? If not, why not?

Question 7

It has been said that claims of executive privilege by presidents are used to cover up embarrassing failures by executive branch agencies, and that these claims usually have very little to do with national security. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Question 8

A disadvantage of the pyramid structure of White House advisors is that:

A) It creates conflict among the president's staff
B) Staff members can become too involved in communications with the media
C) Presidents can become overwhelmed by the day-to-day details of their office
D) Advisors can make important decisions before they reach the president

Question 9

A president's lobbying staff cannot succeed without:

A) Cabinet support
B) Strict party loyalty
C) Extensive financial support
D) Presidential involvement

Question 10

An unrelated provision that the president is known to oppose that is attached to a bill that the president otherwise desires to see passed is called a(n):

A) Impoundment
B) Rider
C) Pocket veto
D) Entitlement

Question 11

Abraham Lincoln's main contribution to the growth of presidential power was to:

A) Expand the emergency war powers
B) Direct his party's program in Congress
C) Establish the two-term precedent
D) Articulate the stewardship theory of the office

Question 12

According to the language of the Constitution, the president in his role as commander in chief has the power to:

A) See that the laws are faithfully executed
B) Negotiate treaties with foreign powers
C) Command forces in the event of war
D) Declare war

Question 13

Although the president can negotiate a foreign treaty, he must turn for ratification to:

A) The Senate
B) The House of Representatives and the Senate
C) The State Department
D) The House of Representatives

Question 14

Among a president's resources in dealing with Congress, political party loyalty has been:

A) An important key to success, but not a guarantee
B) Very weak and no longer a valuable resource
C) Very strong and a guarantor of success
D) Consistent throughout terms and increasing near the end of each term

Question 15

Andrew Jackson's main contribution to the growth of presidential power was to:

A) Direct his party's program in Congress
B) Demonstrate the strength of a presidency based on popular support
C) Expand the emergency war powers
D) Confer with his Cabinet

Question 16

Article ____ of the Constitution vests the executive power in the president.

A) I
B) II
C) III
D) IV

Question 17

Before becoming a member of the Council of Economic Advisers, a candidate appointed by the president must receive confirmation from:

A) The House
B) The Senate
C) The vice president
D) The Department of the Treasury

Question 18

By law, the modern cabinet consists of the ____ department heads.

A) three
B) nine
C) fifteen
D) nineteen

Question 19

Congress asserted its control over the power to declare war:

A) Following U.S. involvement in Vietnam
B) When the United States entered the Korean War
C) As a result of troops being sent to Haiti in 1994
D) When the Siege of Mexico City embarrassed the Army in 1909

Question 20

Congress limited the president's impoundment power by passing the:

A) Budget Control Act
B) Budget and Impoundment Control Act
C) Impoundment Control Act
D) Seizure and Control Act

Question 21

Congressional-executive agreements are agreements:

A) Between Congress and foreign executives, made before the president negotiates a treaty
B) Between the president and a legislative body of another nation
C) Between the president and Congress in order to resolve policy disputes before a bill is vetoed
D) With a foreign country, negotiated by the president and submitted to both houses of Congress for approval

Question 22

Despite the scandals that resulted in his impeachment, Bill Clinton left the office of the presidency with an approval rating of:

A) 25%
B) 40%
C) 50%
D) 65%

Question 23

Executive privilege is the president's right to:

A) Withhold information from Congress
B) Refuse to spend money that has been appropriated
C) Make nontreaty agreements with foreign countries
D) Nominate judges and other major government officials

Question 24

Executive privilege was first asserted by:

A) George Washington
B) Franklin Roosevelt
C) Richard Nixon
D) Ronald Reagan

Question 25

Franklin D. Roosevelt's powerful use of the presidency during the Great Depression and World War II gave rise to which concept of the presidency?

A) The imperial presidency
B) The Whig theory of presidential power
C) The literalist theory of the presidency
D) The president as savior

Question 26

George H. W. Bush was a one-term president largely because of:

A) The invasion of Panama
B) The war with Iraq
C) His use of the veto power
D) The economy

Question 27

How can high levels of popularity trap presidents?

A) Expectations of his success will increase
B) He will have no incentive to avoid failure
C) His influence with Congress will be diminished
D) The myth of an all-powerful president will be debunked

Question 28

If, while Congress is in session, the president refuses to sign a bill:

A) It must be resubmitted to Congress
B) It becomes law ten days after its submission to the president
C) Congress must withdraw the bill
D) It becomes a victim of the pocket veto

Question 29

In his capacity as chief executive, the president has:

A) Complete power to appoint and remove all U.S. government employees
B) Extensive power to appoint all government officials, but very limited power to remove them
C) Significant power to appoint and remove government employees with the consent of the House
D) Limited power to appoint or remove government officials

Question 30

In his function as chief diplomat, the president might:

A) Exercise a pocket veto on defense spending
B) Exercise executive privilege on foreign travel
C) Recognize a new government in Congo
D) Pardon a person convicted of treason

Question 31

In the lawsuit involving the Clinton administration's use of executive privilege, the Supreme Court ruled that:

A) A president's Secret Service protectors cannot be compelled to testify in a trial involving the president
B) Presidential aides may always invoke executive privilege no matter the circumstances of the request from Congress
C) Presidents cannot invoke executive privilege when facing a criminal investigation started through the impeachment process
D) Presidents cannot invoke executive privilege to delay civil proceedings for actions taken prior to assuming the presidency

Question 32

In order to allow the president to concentrate on important issues only, the modern White House Office is often organized:

A) Like a modern corporation with the cabinet
B) Like a monarchy
C) Like a military command post, with only the president giving direct commands
D) In a pyramid structure, in which only one or two key aides have access to the president

Question 33

In the 1974 matter of United States v. Nixon, the Supreme Court ruled that:

A) There are no exemptions when it comes to matters of executive privilege
B) Presidents must testify regardless of executive privilege
C) Executive privilege cannot be used to delay civil proceedings concerning actions committed prior to taking office
D) Executive privilege cannot be invoked to delay civil proceedings

Question 34

Jackson's increased use of the veto was significant because he used it when:

A) He thought laws were unconstitutional
B) He simply disagreed with Congress
C) Congressional votes were close
D) Encouraged by the Supreme Court

Question 35

Many believe Woodrow Wilson committed a critical error when he failed to:

A) Inform the Paris Peace Conference that the League of Nations was unconstitutional
B) Allow members of the House of Representatives to vote on the League of Nations
C) Allow senators to vote on the League of Nations
D) Include senators in the postwar conference that created the League of Nations

Question 36

One of the few presidential powers that Congress may not limit is the power to:

A) Declare war
B) Negotiate foreign treaties
C) Make appointments to the Supreme Court
D) Grant pardons and reprieves

Question 37

President Nixon tried to claim that executive privilege applied to:

A) Members of his family
B) All executive officials
C) All members of Congress
D) His personal lawyers

Question 38

President Truman committed thousands of American troops to Korea for what was termed a:

A) "Military conflict"
B) "Negotiation deployment"
C) "Combat arbitration"
D) "Police action"

Question 39

Past presidents were reluctant to delegate too much power to their vice presidents because:

A) They realize the weaknesses of the office of the vice president
B) Of the fear of creating a strong political rival
C) Foreign leaders do not recognize the importance of the vice president
D) They do not fully trust the vice president

Question 40

Presidents often prefer to negotiate executive agreements rather than treaties because:

A) Executive agreements are always secret.
B) Executive agreements do not need the consent of the Senate.
C) Other nations place more faith in executive agreements than in treaties.
D) Executive agreements can remain secret for up to ten years.

Question 41

The "cycle of decreasing influence" identified by political scientists refers to the decline of:

A) A president's concern about public opinion as his term progresses
B) Political party influence over the president as his term progresses
C) Congressional control over a president's war-making power as his term progresses
D) Presidential influence over policy as a president's term progresses

Question 42

The Constitution clearly assigns the power to declare war to:

A) The president
B) The Department of Defense
C) Congress
D) The Senate

Question 43

The Constitution gives the vice president:

A) No duties to perform
B) The job of presiding over the Senate
C) The role of Chief of Staff to the president
D) Many responsibilities independent of presidential authority

Question 44

The Constitution requires that the president report on the state of the Union:

A) At the beginning of each term
B) At the end of each term
C) Once every two years
D) From time to time

Question 45

The Executive Office of the President was:

A) Established in the Constitution to run the White House
B) Added as part of the Cabinet in 1832
C) Created by executive order in 1939 to assist the president
D) Developed in 1972 as a small inner cabinet of presidential advisors

Question 46

The North American Free Trade Agreement was negotiated by President Clinton with Mexico and Canada and then submitted for approval to both houses of Congress. This agreement was then legal as a(n):

A) International trade resolution
B) Presidential-congressional treaty
C) Congressional-executive agreement
D) Foreign treaty

Question 47

The Senate does not play a strong advisory role in the treaty-making process because of:

A) The wording of the Constitution
B) The traditions of the Senate
C) An incident that left George Washington offended
D) Supreme Court decisions

Question 48

The State of the Union address has become a significant tool in the exercise of the president's function as:

A) Chief legislator
B) Chief diplomat
C) Chief executive
D) Commander in chief

Question 49

The War Powers Resolution:

A) Confirmed the president's right as commander in chief to declare war
B) Set limits on the president's ability to commit armed forces to conflict
C) Repealed the president's right to command forces in time of war
D) Required a declaration of war before armed forces could be sent into action

Question 50

The Watergate investigation became highly confrontational when the special prosecutor requested that the White House turn over:

A) Personal diaries
B) Tape recordings
C) Personal files
D) White House visitor logs

Question 51

The ____ theory suggests that the president should do whatever is necessary and proper so long as it is not specifically prohibited by the Constitution.

A) Whig
B) stewardship
C) delegate
D) bully

Question 52

The administrations of Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon gave rise in the 1960s to which of the following concepts of presidential power?

A) The Whig theory
B) The imperial presidency
C) The stewardship theory
D) The chief executive as savior

Question 53

The authors suggest that the War Powers Resolution played a(n) ____ role in the first war in Iraq.

A) critical
B) insignificant
C) decisive
D) sweeping

Question 54

The difference between a pocket veto and an ordinary veto is that with the pocket veto, the president:

A) Can't prevent Congress from overriding him if it wishes to do so
B) Only threatens to reject a bill of which he doesn't approve
C) Fails to sign a bill and lets it die during the last days of a congressional session
D) Rejects the specific portion of a bill with which he doesn't agree

Question 55

The difference between the Executive Office of the President and the White House Office is that the White House Office is:

A) A smaller body of personal assistants to the president
B) A larger umbrella organization of groups that help the president
C) An agency established by the Constitution, not by an executive order
D) Not established by the Constitution as part of the Cabinet

Question 56

The first president to propose a comprehensive legislative program was:

A) Franklin D. Roosevelt
B) Jackson
C) Lincoln
D) Wilson

Question 57

The first president to serve two full terms in office since Dwight D. Eisenhower was:

A) G. W. Bush
B) Kennedy
C) Nixon
D) Reagan

Question 58

The idea of the imperial presidency gave way to the idea of the tethered presidency when power passed from ____ to ____.

A) Eisenhower and Kennedy; Johnson and Nixon
B) Johnson and Nixon; Ford and Carter
C) Coolidge and Hoover; Franklin D. Roosevelt and Truman
D) Ford and Carter; Reagan and Bush

Question 59

The joint resolution known as the Authorization for Use of Military Force brought by President G. W. Bush empowered the president to:

A) Use his own judgment regarding bringing the United States into a war
B) Use all necessary and appropriate force against terrorists
C) Bypass Congress when declaring war
D) Authorize the use of atomic weapons

Question 60

The legal opinion prepared for President G. W. Bush by the State Department regarding the Authorization for Use of Military Force:

A) Gave the president the authority to begin and end war
B) Stated his case for executing terrorists
C) Showed the president's blatant disregard for the Constitution
D) Dismissed entirely the need for the president to consult with Congress before sending troops to fight terrorists

Question 61

The most common myth about the presidency says that the president is:

A) Helpless
B) Incompetent
C) All-powerful
D) Hardworking

Question 62

The president reports annually on the nation's economic condition as required by:

A) The Constitution
B) The Budget and Accounting Act of 1921
C) The Employment Act of 1946
D) The State of the Union address

Question 63

The president's power to recognize a foreign country:

A) Requires a two-thirds Senate vote for ratification
B) Requires no ratification or consultation
C) Has been largely taken over by the Senate
D) Is now limited by the War Powers Resolution

Question 64

The president's powers as chief legislator:

A) Have no basis in the Constitution
B) Have only a limited basis in the Constitution
C) Are strictly limited to what the Constitution grants
D) Are fully granted by the Constitution

Question 65

Public approval of presidents in the past fifty years has tended to:

A) Increase the longer they are in office
B) Decline while they are in office
C) Decline at first but then rise toward the end of their term
D) Rise and fall unpredictably for each president

Question 66

The purpose of the National Security Council is to:

A) Carry out presidential intelligence activities
B) Advise the president on foreign and defense policy
C) Advise the president on economic issues
D) Manage the nation's armed forces

Question 67

The text suggests that the most powerful vice president was probably Vice President _____.

A) Cheney
B) Ford
C) Biden
D) Gore

Question 68

The text suggests that President ____ was the first president truly elected by the people.

A) Adams
B) Jefferson
C) Madison
D) Jackson

Question 69

The text suggests that no other vice president has matched the power and presidential access possessed by:

A) Walter Mondale
B) Dick Cheney
C) Al Gore
D) George H. W. Bush

Question 70

The text suggests that presidents have exercised executive privilege:

A) Frequently since the 1970s
B) Frequently since the 1980s
C) Sparingly, but usually in the face of strenuous congressional protest
D) Sparingly and without serious challenge for almost 200 years

Question 71

The text suggests that the effectiveness of the War Powers Resolution is:

A) Questionable
B) Considerable
C) Clear
D) Slowly being realized

Question 72

To date, there have been ____vice presidents who have later become presidents.

A) three
B) seven
C) ten
D) fourteen

Question 73

Today, presidents do not use the power to convene and adjourn Congress because of:

A) The extended length of the legislative year
B) Supreme Court decisions limiting that power
C) Rules that have been passed in the Senate
D) The Sixteenth Amendment

Question 74

Vice presidents have:

A) Been too busy with their constitutional responsibilities to advise the president effectively
B) Recently been stripped by presidents of most of their constitutional responsibilities
C) Always been the principal advisor and assistant to the president
D) Only recently been given significant responsibilities by the president

Question 75

What is a signing statement?

A) A statement giving Congress the right to add to a proposed bill
B) A document used to co-sign a bill if the president is not available to sign it himself
C) A statement authorizing the use of the president's signature
D) A document that explains the president's intentions for a bill proposed by Congress

Question 76

When a president issues a regulation that has the effect of law, it is called an executive:

A) Act
B) Decree
C) Privilege
D) Order

Question 77

When a president declines to spend money appropriated by Congress, this is an example of:

A) The veto power
B) The impoundment power
C) Executive privilege
D) A pocket veto

Question 78

When the president participates in a ceremony in which he and the First Lady decorate the White House Christmas tree, he is acting in the role of:

A) Commander in chief
B) Chief executive
C) Chief of state
D) Chief justice

Question 79

Which agency of the Executive Office of the President helps the president prepare a budget for each fiscal year?

A) The Treasury Department
B) The National Security Council
C) The Council of Economic Advisers
D) The Office of Management and Budget

Question 80

Which constitutional amendment gives the vice president the power to assume the presidency if the president becomes disabled?

A) The Twentieth
B) The Twenty-First
C) The Twenty-Fourth
D) The Twenty-Fifth