Question 1

Throughout most of its history, which was considered an insignificant office?

Accepted Answer

The vice presidency was considered an insignificant office for much of its history. In the early years of the United States, the vice president was mainly seen as a backup in case the president was unable to fulfill his duties. It wasn't until the 20th century that the role of the vice president became more prominent and involved in the day-to-day operations of the White House.

Question 2

What is an executive order?

Accepted Answer

An executive order is a formal directive to executive branch departments and agencies that have the force of law. It is issued by the President of the United States and does not require approval by Congress. Executive orders are one of the ways in which the President can carry out their duties and implement policies without having to go through the legislative process.

Question 3

Which presidential power is balanced by required approval of the Senate?

Accepted Answer

The power to negotiate treaties with other nations is balanced by the requirement of Senate approval under the advice and consent clause of the Constitution. The Senate must approve the treaty by a two-thirds vote for it to become binding. Therefore, the president cannot enter into any binding treaty with a foreign government without the Senate's approval.

Question 4

The use of __________ in foreign matters is an example of the president acting as a foreign policy leader.

Accepted Answer

Executive agreements involve the president conducting foreign policy by making agreements directly with foreign leaders or governments rather than seeking formal treaty approval from the Senate. Therefore, the use of executive agreements is a clear example of the president acting as a foreign policy leader. Pocket vetoes, executive privilege, executive orders, and signing statements may all be components of presidential power, but they do not necessarily relate directly to the president's role in foreign policy.

Question 5

According to the Constitution, how is the president supposed to be elected?

Accepted Answer

The president is supposed to be elected through the Electoral College, as outlined in Article II, Section 1 of the Constitution. This system allows for each state to have a number of electors equal to their representation in Congress, and these electors then cast their votes for the president based on the popular vote in their state. While the candidate with the most electoral votes usually wins, it is possible for a candidate to win the popular vote but lose the election if they do not secure enough electoral votes.

Question 6

Which presidential oversight includes the State of the Union address?

Accepted Answer

The State of the Union address is a constitutional requirement where the president must inform Congress about the state of the country and recommend legislation. This is a form of presidential oversight that ensures the president is accountable to Congress and the American people.

Question 7

Which early president, who was initially hostile to the idea of a vigorous central government, concluded the Louisiana Purchase with France, which doubled the size of the United States and opened the continent for American settlement?

Accepted Answer

Thomas Jefferson initially believed in strict interpretation of the Constitution and limited federal power. However, he saw the opportunity to secure American access to the Mississippi River and New Orleans port, as well as double the size of the nation. Therefore, he authorized the Louisiana Purchase from France in 1803.

Question 8

Congress can remove a president through __________.

Accepted Answer

Congress can remove a president through impeachment. This involves the House of Representatives voting to impeach the president and the Senate holding a trial to determine whether or not to remove the president from office.

Question 9

Which president was impeached by the Republican-controlled House of Representatives in the last thirty years?

Accepted Answer

Bill Clinton was impeached by the Republican-controlled House of Representatives in 1998.

Question 10

Which of these presidents is arguably the first modern president?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of these presidents is arguably the...

Question 11

What changed the problem in the original Constitution in which the runner-up in the presidential election became vice president?

Accepted Answer

The Twelfth Amendment changed the problem in the original Constitution in which the runner-up in the presidential election became vice president. The Twelfth Amendment established a separate electoral vote for president and vice president, ensuring that these positions were elected separately rather than the previous method in which the runner-up became vice president.

Question 12

In which institutional resource are leaders both appointed by the president and approved by the Senate?

Accepted Answer

The Cabinet is a group of high-level advisors to the president, consisting of the heads of the executive departments. Cabinet members are appointed by the president and must be confirmed by the Senate. Therefore, leaders in the Cabinet are both appointed by the president and approved by the Senate.

Question 13

Who solidified the prestige of the presidency in a time when citizens did not trust executive leadership?

Accepted Answer

George Washington solidified the prestige of the presidency during his tenure as the first President of the United States. He set important precedents such as serving only two terms, establishing the Cabinet system, and delivering a Farewell Address that emphasized the importance of national unity and warned against political parties and foreign entanglements. Washington's leadership helped to earn the trust and respect of citizens towards the executive branch.

Question 14

Which vice president is considered to have been the most powerful?

Accepted Answer

Dick Cheney is widely considered to have been the most powerful vice president due to his extensive involvement in policy decision-making during the George W. Bush presidency. He played a significant role in shaping foreign and domestic policies, including the War on Terror and the Iraq War.

Question 15

Which institutional resource is closest to the president?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which institutional resource is closest to the...

Question 16

What did George W. Bush's administration use to support the suggestion that the office of the president is free to exercise command and authority over the executive branch in all respects?

Accepted Answer

The theory of unitary executive suggests that the president has broad and expansive powers over the entire executive branch. The Bush administration used this theory to support their suggestion that the office of the president is free to exercise command and authority over the executive branch in all respects.

Question 17

What is one of the reasons that power and responsibility of the presidency has grown since the early presidency?

Accepted Answer

The United States became a world power, which led to an increase in the power and responsibility of the presidency. As the United States became a more prominent player on the global stage, there was an increased need for the president to have more authority over matters of national security and foreign affairs. This trend has continued to this day, with modern presidents often taking an active role in shaping America's relationships with other countries and responding to global crises.

Question 18

The Founders created a system of __________ to prevent tyranny?

Accepted Answer

The Founders created the system of the separation of powers to prevent tyranny. This means that the powers of the government are divided among three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial. Each branch has its own specific responsibilities, and no one branch has too much power or control. This system was put in place as a way to ensure that no one person or group could become too powerful and abuse their authority.

Question 19

Which one of the powers listed below is a constitutional power that the president shares with the Senate?

Accepted Answer

Making treaties is a constitutional power that the president shares with the Senate. The Senate must approve any treaties negotiated by the president before they can take effect. Commissioning officers, granting pardons, receiving foreign ambassadors, and replacing Cabinet heads are all powers that are held solely by the president.

Question 20

Which vice president was more central to the White House policy-making process than any other vice president in American history?

Accepted Answer

Dick Cheney was famously involved in the policy-making process of the White House during George W. Bush's presidency, with some referring to him as the "real" president. He played a key role in foreign policy decisions, as well as in the War on Terror and the response to the 9/11 attacks. No other vice president in American history has been as central to policymaking as Cheney.

Quiz 12: The Presidency