Question 1

Article II, Section 1, of the Constitution states that the president must be at least 35 years old, a resident of the United States for at least fourteen years, and be

Accepted Answer

The Constitution requires the president to be a natural-born citizen, at least 35 years old, and a resident of the United States for at least fourteen years. There are no requirements regarding military service, gender, or previous legislative experience.

Question 2

What is it called if the president shortens a federal prison sentence?

Accepted Answer

Commutation specifically refers to the act of reducing the length of someone's sentence, which is a power held by the president for federal offenses.

Question 3

When President George W. Bush recognized the independence of Kosovo, he was exercising the power of the president to

Accepted Answer

The power to recognize the legitimacy of foreign regimes is a prerogative of the President of the United States, as part of their broader authority in conducting foreign policy. This includes recognizing new countries or governments, which is what President George W. Bush did when he recognized the independence of Kosovo.

Question 4

Which president's fourth term in office prompted the Senate to propose the Twenty-Second Amendment that limits the president to two terms?

Accepted Answer

Franklin D. Roosevelt was the only president to be elected to four terms, which led to the proposal and eventual ratification of the Twenty-Second Amendment, limiting presidents to two terms.

Question 5

During the course of the nineteenth century, the job of the chief executive grew accordingly but, remained essentially focused on _________and __________.

Accepted Answer

The chief executive's role in the nineteenth century primarily expanded in areas related to national defense and economic growth, reflecting the era's focus on protecting the nation and fostering economic development.

Question 6

Because a president in a second term cannot seek reelection, the president is commonly referred to as a

Accepted Answer

A president in a second term who cannot seek reelection is commonly referred to as a "lame duck," indicating their diminished power and influence.

Question 7

The presidential appointment process has two steps: nomination and approval by

Accepted Answer

The presidential appointment process involves the President nominating individuals for certain positions, such as federal judges, ambassadors, and cabinet members, followed by the approval of these nominations by a majority vote in the Senate.

Question 8

According to the Constitution, who becomes president when the president is removed from office by death, resignation, or inability to perform the duties of the office?

Accepted Answer

According to the United States Constitution, specifically the Presidential Succession Act, the Vice President is the first in line to succeed the President in the event of death, resignation, or inability to perform the duties of the office.

Question 9

_________, the hero of the Revolutionary War, whom the Framers had in mind for the office of the presidency, helped shape the idea of what a president should be.

Accepted Answer

George Washington, as the hero of the Revolutionary War and the first President of the United States, was the individual the Framers had in mind when designing the office of the presidency. His leadership and character helped define the expectations and responsibilities of the role.

Question 10

In order for a treaty negotiated by the president to be considered valid, it must

Accepted Answer

For a treaty negotiated by the president to be considered valid, it must be approved by two-thirds of the senators present, as per the U.S. Constitution. This requirement ensures that treaties have significant support before becoming binding international agreements.

Question 11

As ________, the president directs all war efforts and military conflict.

Accepted Answer

The president serves as the commander in chief of the armed forces, which grants them the authority to direct all war efforts and military conflicts.

Question 12

The historian and presidential adviser Arthur Schlesinger Jr. used the term "_________" to describe the power of the president to speak for the nation on the world stage and to set the policy agenda at home.

Accepted Answer

Arthur Schlesinger Jr. coined the term "imperial presidency" to describe the expansion of presidential powers, particularly in foreign policy and domestic agenda-setting, beyond their constitutional limits.

Question 13

In dealings with foreign nations, the president has the power to

Accepted Answer

The president has the power to negotiate and sign treaties, but ratification of treaties requires the approval of the Senate. The president does not have the power to directly order the Senate to ratify treaties, nor can the president unilaterally ratify treaties. The president can negotiate on a wide range of issues, including environmental regulations, human rights accords, trade policies, and military alliances.

Question 14

Instead of providing the president with enumerated powers, the Framers _______ the president with a general grant of "executive power."

Accepted Answer

The correct term is "vested," which means to confer or bestow power or authority, aligning with the context of granting the president executive power.

Question 15

When a president issues full forgiveness for a crime committed, it is called a(n)

Accepted Answer

A pardon is the act of forgiving a person for the crime they have committed, effectively removing any remaining penalties or punishments.

Question 16

Which amendment required the president to nominate a replacement vice president, who must be approved by a majority vote of the House and the Senate?

Accepted Answer

The Twenty-Fifth Amendment, ratified in 1967, outlines the procedures for replacing the vice president in the event of death, resignation, removal, or incapacitation. It requires the president to nominate a replacement, who must then be confirmed by a majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Question 17

Until John Kennedy was elected in 1960, all presidents were from a _________ background.

Accepted Answer

John F. Kennedy was the first Catholic president of the United States. Before his election, all U.S. presidents came from various Protestant backgrounds.

Question 18

In 1792, Congress passed the _________ Act, which designated the president pro tempore of the Senate as next in line to become president after the vice president and the Speaker of the House.

Accepted Answer

The correct answer is the Presidential Succession Act of 1792, which established the line of succession following the vice president, starting with the president pro tempore of the Senate and then the Speaker of the House.

Question 19

The _________ Amendment, ratified in 1804, changed the process so that candidates are elected for president and vice president separately.

Accepted Answer

The Twelfth Amendment was ratified in 1804 to refine the electoral process by ensuring that candidates for president and vice president are elected separately, addressing issues from earlier elections.

Question 20

Who was the first vice president to assume office under the provisions of the Twenty-Fifth Amendment?

Accepted Answer

Gerald Ford became the first vice president to assume office under the provisions of the Twenty-Fifth Amendment after Spiro Agnew resigned. This amendment outlines the procedures for filling a vacancy in the vice presidency and for the vice president to take over the presidency in case of the president's death, resignation, removal, or incapacitation.

Quiz 13: The Presidency