Question 1

The presidential pardon power is subject to congressional control.

Accepted Answer

The presidential pardon power is granted by the U.S. Constitution and is not subject to congressional control, oversight, or limitation.

Question 2

Almost all state governors have the authority to use a line item veto.

Accepted Answer

The majority of state governors have the power to use a line item veto, which allows them to strike down specific provisions in a budget bill without vetoing the entire bill. However, some states may have different rules regarding the line item veto power for their governors.

Question 3

The public has come to expect a high level of service from the national government and holds the president responsible when expectations are not met.

Accepted Answer

The president is often viewed as the leader and ultimate decision-maker of the national government, and therefore is held responsible by the public for any perceived failures or shortcomings in government services.

Question 4

If the president does not act on a bill sent to him or her within ten days and if Congress is still in session,the bill dies.

Accepted Answer

The answer of If the president does not act on...

Question 5

The judicial branch exercises control over the president through judicial review of presidential action.

Accepted Answer

Judicial review is the power of the judicial branch to review and potentially invalidate actions taken by the executive and legislative branches, including actions taken by the president. This allows the judicial branch to exercise a check on the president's power.

Question 6

Recess appointments are rare.

Accepted Answer

Recess appointments are not rare; U.S. Presidents have often used them to bypass Senate confirmation by appointing officials while the Senate is in recess.

Question 7

The Supreme Court has not decided the extent to which the president can engage in military action without a formal declaration of war by Congress.

Accepted Answer

The Supreme Court has not issued a clear ruling on the extent of the president's authority to use military force without congressional approval.

Question 8

An executive agreement is an understanding between the president and the chief executive of a foreign nation.

Accepted Answer

An executive agreement is a type of international agreement, typically in the form of an exchange of diplomatic notes, between the president and the chief executive of a foreign nation. It does not require Senate approval but has the same legal force as a treaty.

Question 9

The Watergate scandal erupted over Richard Nixon's acceptance of illegal campaign contributions.

Accepted Answer

The Watergate scandal erupted over the Nixon administration's involvement in a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters, as well as subsequent efforts to cover up the incident. Campaign finance violations were a part of the scandal, but they were not the main issue.

Question 10

A president who is faced with opposition from Congress can go over the heads of legislators and talk directly to the American people.

Accepted Answer

This is called "going public" and has been used by presidents to rally public support for their agendas and put pressure on Congress to act in line with their goals.

Question 11

Most modern presidents can be considered to be strong presidents.

Accepted Answer

Most modern presidents have had significant powers and responsibilities, making them strong presidents in terms of their ability to influence policy and shape the direction of the country. However, this is not the case for all presidents, and there may be differing opinions on what constitutes a strong president.

Question 12

A president's ability to implement his or her program normally decreases over time.

Accepted Answer

This is often referred to as the "honeymoon period," in which a newly-elected president has higher levels of public support and political capital to push their agenda. As time passes, opposition and obstacles may accumulate, making it more difficult to achieve their goals.

Question 13

The War Powers Resolution requires the president to always consult with Congress before American troops are introduced into hostile situations.

Accepted Answer

The War Powers Resolution requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of committing armed forces to military action and forbids armed forces from remaining for more than 60 days, with a further 30-day withdrawal period, without a Congressional authorization for use of military force or a declaration of war by the United States. It does not require the president to consult with Congress before introducing troops into hostile situations, but it does mandate notification after such action has been taken.

Question 14

The most famous presidential pardon concerns former slave owners after the Civil War.

Accepted Answer

The most famous presidential pardon is often considered to be President Gerald Ford's pardon of former President Richard Nixon in 1974, following the Watergate scandal.

Question 15

Presidents are more likely to enter into executive agreements than treaties.

Accepted Answer

Presidents are more likely to enter into executive agreements because they do not require Senate approval, unlike treaties. Executive agreements can be used to establish relationships with foreign nations and address issues such as trade, arms control, and environmental policies.

Quiz 8: The Chief Executive