Question 1

What impact did the September 11, 2001 attacks have on the presidency?

Accepted Answer

The September 11, 2001 attacks had a significant impact on the presidency, as they allowed President Bush to expand executive power through acts such as the Patriot Act and the authorization of military force to enter into a war on terrorism. This led to increased surveillance and security measures, as well as the initiation of military action in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Question 2

Which duties does the president perform when acting as head of state?

Accepted Answer

Meeting with and hosting foreign leaders is a key duty of the president when acting as head of state, as it involves representing the United States on the global stage and engaging in diplomacy. While the president may be involved in negotiating treaties (Option A) as part of this role, this is typically done in conjunction with other members of the executive branch and is not the sole responsibility of the president. Appointing federal judges (Option B) and directing the military (Option D) are duties that fall under the president's role as head of government, rather than head of state.

Question 3

Suppose it is the 1930s and you have just recently lost your job and most of your savings due to a steep downturn in the economy. You are aware that President Roosevelt has implemented several new programs as part of the New Deal, but do not want to accept a handout from the federal government since you are still young and able to work. What other option is available to you through FDR's New Deal programs?

Accepted Answer

Public works jobs were a major part of President Roosevelt's New Deal programs, which aimed to create jobs and boost the economy. These jobs were typically focused on infrastructure projects, such as building roads, bridges, and public buildings. By taking one of these jobs, individuals like the one described in the scenario could earn a wage and help support themselves and their families, rather than relying on government assistance.

Question 4

What is one of the president's most important powers as chief executive?

Accepted Answer

The power of appointment is a critical power of the President as chief executive. The President appoints federal judges, including Supreme Court justices, as well as members of the cabinet, heads of executive agencies, and ambassadors. These appointments can have a significant impact on the direction and policy of the federal government, both domestically and internationally.

Question 5

When the president negotiates treaties and appoints ministers and ambassadors as representatives to other countries, he or she is acting as ______.

Accepted Answer

The role of chief diplomat involves negotiating treaties and appointing representatives, such as ministers and ambassadors, to other countries. This role is specifically related to foreign affairs and serves as a way for the president to represent the United States on a global stage.

Question 6

How did the United States attempt to establish its dominance over the Soviet Union during the Cold War?

Accepted Answer

The United States attempted to establish its dominance over the Soviet Union during the Cold War by adopting the Truman Doctrine, which provided aid to any nation under the threat of communism. This was a way for the United States to contain communism and prevent its spread around the world. The United States also formed military alliances, such as NATO, and engaged in proxy wars, such as the Korean War and the Vietnam War, in an attempt to prevent the Soviet Union from expanding its influence.

Question 7

Which action is an example of a president expanding the office of the presidency and the scope of the federal government as a whole?

Accepted Answer

Lyndon B. Johnson's implementation of the Great Society expanded the scope of the federal government by creating new social programs and increasing the size of the welfare state. This represented a significant increase in the power and responsibilities of the presidency.

Question 8

Which major historical event prompted President Franklin D. Roosevelt to greatly expand the power of the president in the United States?

Accepted Answer

The onset of the Great Depression prompted President Franklin D. Roosevelt to greatly expand the power of the presidency through his New Deal programs and policies. These included the establishment of numerous government agencies and programs to combat the effects of the Great Depression, such as the Social Security Act, the Federal Emergency Relief Administration, and the Works Progress Administration. Roosevelt also used his executive powers to intervene in the economy and regulate various industries, such as banking, agriculture, and labor, which greatly expanded the power of the federal government and the presidency.

Question 9

When the president fulfills certain formal duties and obligations on behalf of the country involving interactions with foreign nations, he or she is acting as ______.

Accepted Answer

When the president interacts with foreign nations in a formal capacity, he or she is performing the duties of the head of state. This includes activities such as hosting foreign leaders, making state visits to other countries, and representing the nation at international events.

Question 10

According to Article II of the Constitution, what is the primary function of the executive?

Accepted Answer

Article II of the Constitution states that the primary function of the executive branch is to "take care that the laws be faithfully executed," which means enforcing the laws passed by Congress. Option B is incorrect because that is the primary function of the legislative branch. Option C is incorrect because the executive branch does not have the power to ensure the constitutionality of laws passed by Congress. Option D is incorrect because it implies that the executive branch's primary function is to assist Congress, which is not the case.

Question 11

Which president can be largely credited for implementing policies that led to the fall of communist regimes in Eastern Europe?

Accepted Answer

Reagan's policies, including supporting anti-communist movements and increasing military spending, are largely credited with putting pressure on the Soviet Union and ultimately leading to the fall of communist regimes in Eastern Europe.

Question 12

According to President Lincoln, how was Article II of the Constitution to be interpreted?

Accepted Answer

President Lincoln believed that in times of crisis, the president had the authority to expand executive powers beyond what is strictly listed in Article II of the Constitution in order to preserve and protect the United States.

Question 13

Suppose the president of the United States has successfully negotiated a treaty with Russia that will extend the Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty and will provide greater incentives for both the United States and Russia to respect the agreements within the treaty. Although the president has negotiated this treaty and will be responsible for executing it, what is required for the treaty to formally be enacted?

Accepted Answer

The Constitution states that in order for a treaty to be ratified, it must receive the approval of two-thirds of the Senate. Therefore, B is the correct answer. The vice president, House, and Supreme Court do not have a role in ratifying treaties.

Question 14

Under President Theodore Roosevelt, what was the function of the United States on the global stage?

Accepted Answer

Under President Theodore Roosevelt, the function of the United States on the global stage was to play a supervisory role in maintaining stability in the Americas, through the implementation of the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine. This doctrine established the U.S. as the dominant power in the Western Hemisphere and justified U.S. intervention in Latin American affairs in order to prevent European countries from doing so.

Question 15

Which distinction can be drawn between a reprieve and a pardon?

Accepted Answer

A reprieve is a temporary postponement of punishment, while a pardon completely forgives a person and removes the punishment. Therefore, a reprieve reduces the severity of punishment, but does not relieve a person of guilt, whereas a pardon relieves a person of both guilt and punishment. The other options presented in the question are not accurate distinctions between reprieves and pardons.

Question 16

Who is the president responsible for appointing?

Accepted Answer

The president is responsible for appointing Supreme Court justices, as well as other federal judges, ambassadors, and other executive branch officials. The vice president is elected through the process of the vice presidential nomination at the party conventions and then by the general public vote along with the president. The Senate majority leader and the Speaker of the House are elected by their respective chambers of Congress, not by the president.

Question 17

Which part of the Constitution specifies the functions of the president in foreign affairs?

Accepted Answer

Article II of the Constitution outlines the powers and duties of the President, including those related to foreign affairs.

Question 18

Suppose you are president in an era of hyper-partisan politics and are unable to get any legislation passed through Congress. Which action do you most likely take to assert your dominance as president and follow through on policy goals?

Accepted Answer

Utilizing executive orders allows the president to bypass Congress and achieve policy goals without needing their approval. While it may be controversial and potentially face legal challenges, it is a viable option for a president who is unable to get legislation passed through Congress.

Question 19

Which nation emerged as a rival military superpower to the United States after World War II?

Accepted Answer

The Soviet Union emerged as a rival military superpower to the United States after World War II.

Question 20

Which statement best summarizes President Woodrow Wilson's impact on the presidency?

Accepted Answer

Woodrow Wilson was known for his ambitious approach to the presidency, expanding its authority and taking on a more active role in domestic and international affairs. He pushed for the creation of the Federal Reserve System, which gave the president more control over the economy. He also championed the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote. Wilson's impact on the presidency was significant, as his actions helped shape the modern presidency and its role in society.

Quiz 7: The Presidency