Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the total number of electoral votes required to win the presidency?
What is the total number of electoral votes required to win the presidency?
Which of the following best defines a swing state?
Which of the following best defines a swing state?
How do presidential candidates win electoral votes?
How do presidential candidates win electoral votes?
Which of the following is a con of the Electoral College?
Which of the following is a con of the Electoral College?
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How many total elections are conducted on Presidential election day?
How many total elections are conducted on Presidential election day?
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What is the function of the elastic clause in the Constitution?
What is the function of the elastic clause in the Constitution?
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What action can Congress take to check the power of the President?
What action can Congress take to check the power of the President?
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What is the minimum number of electors a state can have in the Electoral College?
What is the minimum number of electors a state can have in the Electoral College?
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Which of the following powers does the President NOT have?
Which of the following powers does the President NOT have?
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What is the role of the Electoral College in U.S. elections?
What is the role of the Electoral College in U.S. elections?
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Under the 22nd Amendment, how many terms can a President serve?
Under the 22nd Amendment, how many terms can a President serve?
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Which of the following accurately describes an executive order?
Which of the following accurately describes an executive order?
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Which of the following responsibilities requires Senate approval?
Which of the following responsibilities requires Senate approval?
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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
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Electoral College: A group that formally elects the President.
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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.
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Determining Electors per State: Representatives + Senators = Electors. Minimum of 3 electors per state.
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Example States' Electors:
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NJ: 14
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CA: 54
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PA: 19
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NY: 28
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DE: 3
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DC: 3
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OH: 17
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Total Electors: 538
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Winning the Presidency: 270 electoral votes needed.
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Swing State: A state with close/undecided election results.
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Popular Vote: Individual citizen's vote in an election.
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Election Conductors: Each state conducts its own elections (reserved state power).
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Presidential Election Day Elections: 51 state elections + 1 DC election
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Winning Electoral Votes: Winning the popular vote secures the electoral votes for that state (in most cases)
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Electoral College Pros: Usually results in a clear winner, potentially producing a more informed candidate based on electoral choices.
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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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Description
Explore the key components and powers of the Executive Branch of the United States government. This quiz covers topics such as cabinet advisors, presidential powers, and the implications of the 22nd Amendment. Test your knowledge on how the Executive Branch operates and its critical roles in governance.
