Question 1

The U.S.Constitution gives the president several explicit powers independent of Congress.

Accepted Answer

The U.S. Constitution gives the president several explicit powers that are independent of Congress, including the power to veto legislation, make executive appointments, negotiate treaties, and serve as commander-in-chief of the military.

Question 2

The Constitution provides that a state legislature (or governor when the legislature is not in session) must request federal troops before the president can send them into the state to provide public order.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The Constitution provides that a state legislature...

Question 3

The veto power makes the president the most important single legislative leader.

Accepted Answer

The veto power allows the president to reject or prevent the passage of laws, making them a significant player in the legislative process. The president's veto can only be overridden by a two-thirds vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, giving them a significant influence over the legislative branch.

Question 4

If a president does not sign a bill within five days, it automatically becomes law.

Accepted Answer

If the President does not sign a bill within ten days (excluding Sundays) while Congress is in session, it automatically becomes law. If Congress adjourns before the ten days and the President has not signed the bill, it does not become law (pocket veto).

Question 5

The president's military powers extend into the domestic sphere.

Accepted Answer

The president does have certain military powers that extend into the domestic sphere, such as the power to deploy National Guard troops in certain circumstances, but these powers are constrained by the Posse Comitatus Act and other laws limiting the use of military force against American citizens. Generally speaking, law enforcement and other domestic matters are the purview of state and local authorities, not the president.

Question 6

In general, presidents have used the veto to equalize or perhaps upset the balance of power with Congress.

Accepted Answer

The power of the veto allows the president to negate legislation passed by Congress, which can be seen as a check on the power of Congress. However, it can also be used to assert the power of the executive branch and potentially upset the balance of power between the branches of government.

Question 7

Most of the framers were anxious to provide for an energetic executive.

Accepted Answer

Many of the framers of the US Constitution believed in a strong and energetic executive branch. They saw this as necessary for effective governance and protection of the nation's interests. This is evident in the powers granted to the President in the Constitution, such as the ability to make treaties, appoint officials, and serve as Commander-in-Chief of the military.

Question 8

A president uses the veto as a means to bargain with Congress.

Accepted Answer

A president can use the veto power to negotiate with Congress, as they have the power to reject legislation that they do not agree with or that they believe goes against their agenda. By threatening to veto a bill, a president can pressure Congress to make changes or compromises to the legislation in question in order to gain their support.

Question 9

The president plays little role in the legislative process.

Accepted Answer

While the president cannot directly introduce or pass legislation, they do play a significant role in the legislative process. The president can propose and influence legislation and use their veto power to reject bills passed by Congress. They can also engage in negotiations and make deals with members of Congress to achieve their policy goals.

Question 10

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is the highest military authority in the United States.

Accepted Answer

The President of the United States is the highest military authority as the Commander-in-Chief; the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is the highest-ranking and senior-most military officer, serving as the principal military advisor to the President, Secretary of Defense, and National Security Council.

Question 11

Who is the only elected official who can claim to represent all the people in the United States?

Accepted Answer

The president of the United States is the only elected official who is elected by the entire nation (through the Electoral College system) and sworn to represent and serve all Americans, regardless of party affiliation, race, gender, or any other characteristic. The Speaker of the House and the Senate majority leader represent only their respective chambers and parties, while the chief justice and the secretary of state are appointed positions and do not have a direct mandate from the people.

Question 12

Decision making in the executive branch is characterized by the same collective action problems as those faced by members of Congress.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Decision making in the executive branch is...

Question 13

The indirect method of electing the president has significantly dampened the power of most modern presidents.

Accepted Answer

The indirect method of electing the president, typically through an electoral college or similar body, does not inherently dampen the power of the presidency itself. The powers of a president are defined by the constitution and laws of a country, not by the method of election.

Question 14

In 1998, the Supreme Court upheld the president's authority to exercise the line-item veto.

Accepted Answer

In 1998, the Supreme Court ruled that the president's line-item veto was unconstitutional in Clinton v. City of New York.

Question 15

The president may deploy troops in a state or city without a specific request from the state legislature or governor if the president considers it necessary to maintain an essential national service during an emergency.

Accepted Answer

The president has the power to deploy troops without a specific request from the state legislature or governor if deemed necessary for national service during an emergency, according to the Insurrection Act.

Question 16

The power to confirm the appointment of all principal executive officers makes the Speaker of the House the true chief executive officer (CEO) of the United States.

Accepted Answer

The statement is false. While the Speaker of the House does have important duties as a legislative leader, they do not have the power to confirm executive officers, which falls under the responsibility of the Senate. The true CEO of the United States is the President, as outlined in the Constitution.

Question 17

American citizens vote directly for the president.

Accepted Answer

American citizens vote for electors in the Electoral College, who then vote to determine the president.

Question 18

Presidents routinely use the line-item veto to strike specific spending items from appropriations bills passed by Congress.

Accepted Answer

The line-item veto was available to presidents from 1996 to 1998 but was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 1998. It is no longer an option for presidents.

Question 19

The president may deploy troops in a state or city without a specific request from the state legislature or governor if the president considers it necessary to enforce a federal judicial order.

Accepted Answer

This is outlined in the Insurrection Act of 1807, which grants the president the authority to use military force in certain situations, including to enforce a federal judicial order.

Question 20

The president may deploy troops in a state or city without a specific request from the state legislature or governor if the president considers it necessary to protect federally guaranteed civil rights.

Accepted Answer

This is in accordance with the Insurrection Act of 1807 which allows the president to deploy armed forces in certain circumstances, including to suppress insurrections or rebellions and to enforce federal laws and protect federally guaranteed civil rights. However, the use of federal troops in domestic law enforcement is a controversial issue and is subject to strict limitations and constitutional considerations.

Quiz 7: The Presidency As an Institution