Executive Branch Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the total number of electoral votes required to win the presidency?

  • 320
  • 270 (correct)
  • 300
  • 250

Which of the following best defines a swing state?

  • A state that consistently votes for one party
  • A close vote in the ballots that can shift from one candidate to another (correct)
  • A state that does not participate in elections
  • A state with a large number of electoral votes

How do presidential candidates win electoral votes?

  • By gaining votes from both state and national levels
  • By receiving endorsements from state officials
  • By winning the majority of states
  • By winning the popular vote among citizens in a state (correct)

Which of the following is a con of the Electoral College?

<p>It gives small states an unfair advantage (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many total elections are conducted on Presidential election day?

<p>51 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the elastic clause in the Constitution?

<p>It allows for the creation of necessary laws not explicitly listed. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What action can Congress take to check the power of the President?

<p>Override a presidential veto (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum number of electors a state can have in the Electoral College?

<p>Three (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following powers does the President NOT have?

<p>Declare war (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Electoral College in U.S. elections?

<p>To formally elect the President. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Under the 22nd Amendment, how many terms can a President serve?

<p>Two terms (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes an executive order?

<p>A directive issued by the President with the effect of law. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following responsibilities requires Senate approval?

<p>Appointing Cabinet members (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

How are electors determined?

The number of electors a state gets is determined by the total number of representatives and senators it has in Congress. Each state also gets at least three electors, representing two senators and one representative.

How many electoral votes are needed to win?

The total number of electoral votes needed to win the presidential election is 270, which is at least half of the 538 total electoral votes.

What is a swing state?

A state considered a swing state can potentially go to either candidate in an election. It is not traditionally loyal to either party.

What is the popular vote?

The total number of votes received by the candidate that won the election.

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Why was the Electoral College created?

The Founding Fathers created the Electoral College to balance the concerns of large states about representation and small states about having their voices heard. This indirect system gives states with smaller populations a greater voice in national elections. It was designed to prevent the popular vote from becoming too dominant and to discourage candidates from focusing solely on large urban areas.

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Elastic Clause

A clause in the Constitution that gives Congress the power to make laws necessary and proper to carry out its enumerated powers.

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Impeachment

A formal accusation of wrongdoing against a president, which can lead to removal from office.

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Executive Order

Rules or orders issued by the president that have the force of law within the executive branch.

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Veto

A formal rejection of a bill by the president, preventing it from becoming law.

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Electoral College

A system for electing the president in which each state has electors equal to its number of senators and representatives.

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How is the number of electors for each state determined?

The number of electors a state has is equal to the number of its representatives in the House of Representatives plus its two senators.

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Powers of the President vs. Powers of Congress

The president is the head of the armed forces but only Congress has the power to declare war.

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Study Notes

Executive Branch

  • Cabinet Advisors: 15 advisors to the President
  • Elastic Clause: Allows Congress to create laws "necessary and proper" - a stretch of executive power.
  • Executive Order: A rule or order from the President that has the force of law within the executive branch.
  • Impeachment: Formal accusation of a crime against the President.
  • Pardon: Forgiveness of offenses by the President.
  • Law Enforcement & Regulatory Agencies: Implement and enforce laws and regulations within their fields.
  • Veto: A President's rejection of a bill passed by Congress.
  • 22nd Amendment: Limits a president to two terms.
  • Presidential Requirements: Natural-born citizen, 35 years old, 14 years US citizenship.
  • Enforcing Laws: The executive branch creates regulations (rules) detailing how laws are carried out. Regulations have similar weight to laws.
  • Presidential Powers:
  • Negotiate treaties
  • Appoint cabinet members
  • Appoint judges (federal & Supreme)
  • Appoint ambassadors
  • Congressional Checks on Presidency:
  • Congress declares war.
  • Senate approves presidential appointments.
  • Congress can override a veto.
  • Presidential Checks on Congress: Veto power
  • Commander-in-Chief: The President, but Congress declares war.

Electoral College

  • Electoral College: A group that formally elects the President.

  • Founding Fathers' Motivation: Slow communication and transportation in 1790. Electors were expected to make more informed choices than a population possibly unfamiliar with the candidates.

  • Determining Electors per State: Representatives + Senators = Electors. Minimum of 3 electors per state.

  • Example States' Electors:

  • NJ: 14

  • CA: 54

  • PA: 19

  • NY: 28

  • DE: 3

  • DC: 3

  • OH: 17

  • Total Electors: 538

  • Winning the Presidency: 270 electoral votes needed.

  • Swing State: A state with close/undecided election results.

  • Popular Vote: Individual citizen's vote in an election.

  • Election Conductors: Each state conducts its own elections (reserved state power).

  • Presidential Election Day Elections: 51 state elections + 1 DC election

  • Winning Electoral Votes: Winning the popular vote secures the electoral votes for that state (in most cases)

  • Electoral College Pros: Usually results in a clear winner, potentially producing a more informed candidate based on electoral choices.

  • Electoral College Cons: Can result in a candidate winning the election without winning the popular vote. Small states receive an advantage.

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