Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is one of the chief responsibilities of the president as Chief Executive?
What is one of the chief responsibilities of the president as Chief Executive?
Under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, what is required for military actions lasting more than 60 days?
Under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, what is required for military actions lasting more than 60 days?
Which role allows the president to negotiate and sign treaties?
Which role allows the president to negotiate and sign treaties?
Which of the following is NOT a power assigned to the president?
Which of the following is NOT a power assigned to the president?
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What is the minimum age requirement to become president of the United States?
What is the minimum age requirement to become president of the United States?
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What must a presidential candidate secure to win the presidency?
What must a presidential candidate secure to win the presidency?
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In which capacity does the president primarily act as the ceremonial figurehead?
In which capacity does the president primarily act as the ceremonial figurehead?
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Which section of Article II outlines the presidential duties and powers?
Which section of Article II outlines the presidential duties and powers?
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What is required for the Senate to convict and remove a president who has been impeached?
What is required for the Senate to convict and remove a president who has been impeached?
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Which resolution limits the president's ability to commit military forces without Congressional approval?
Which resolution limits the president's ability to commit military forces without Congressional approval?
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What distinguishes the role of the prime minister in parliamentary systems from that of the president in presidential systems?
What distinguishes the role of the prime minister in parliamentary systems from that of the president in presidential systems?
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Which of the following is NOT a strategy presidents use to expand their roles?
Which of the following is NOT a strategy presidents use to expand their roles?
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What is the primary characteristic of political appointees in the federal bureaucracy?
What is the primary characteristic of political appointees in the federal bureaucracy?
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Which federal agency is responsible for regulating communications in the United States?
Which federal agency is responsible for regulating communications in the United States?
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How long can the president act to commit military forces without Congressional approval under the War Powers Resolution?
How long can the president act to commit military forces without Congressional approval under the War Powers Resolution?
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Which of these is an example of an independent regulatory agency?
Which of these is an example of an independent regulatory agency?
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Study Notes
Presidential Powers and Roles
- President enforces laws, issues executive orders, manages federal bureaucracy, appoints cabinet members, and oversees agencies.
- President is Commander-in-Chief of the military; directs military, but Congress declares war. War Powers Resolution limits presidential military actions to 60 days without congressional approval.
- President directs US foreign policy, negotiates treaties (Senate approval required), appoints ambassadors, and makes executive agreements.
- President proposes legislation, recommends policies, and can veto bills. Plays a role setting legislative agenda (e.g., State of the Union).
- President is the ceremonial head of state, presiding over national events, hosting foreign dignitaries.
- President influences fiscal policy, addresses economic issues (inflation, unemployment), and proposes the federal budget.
- President leads their political party, promotes its platform, and supports candidates.
Constitutional Powers and Limitations
- Constitution assigns powers like appointing officials, vetoing legislation, commanding the military, and negotiating treaties.
- President cannot declare war, make laws, or control government spending (these are Congressional powers).
- Article II outlines presidential duties, powers, qualifications, and the impeachment process. Sections cover the presidency, Electoral College, oath, powers/duties and impeachment.
- Qualifications for president: Natural-born citizen, at least 35 years old, 14-year resident.
- Winning the presidency requires 270 electoral votes out of 538. If no majority, House chooses.
Limiting Presidential Power
- War Powers Resolution of 1973 limits the president's ability to engage in military conflicts without congressional approval, requiring notification within 48 hours and limiting action to 60 days.
Impeachment Process
- House can impeach the president for high crimes and misdemeanors by simple majority vote.
- Senate conducts trial; conviction and removal requires a two-thirds majority.
Presidential vs. Parliamentary Systems
- Presidential systems (e.g., US): President is both head of state and government.
- Parliamentary systems (e.g., UK): Prime minister is head of government, monarch is head of state.
Expanding Presidential Power
- Executive orders: Directives managing government operations.
- Executive agreements: International agreements without Senate approval.
- Veto power: Blocking or delaying legislation.
- Public appeals: Rallying public support for policies through speeches, media, and engagement.
Federal Bureaucracy
- Two categories of federal employees/bureaucrats:
- Political appointees: High-level positions, often reflect political alignment.
- Civil servants: Career employees, hired based on merit.
Examples of Federal Bureaucracy Categories
- Cabinet departments: Major departments (e.g., Defense, State, Justice).
- Independent executive agencies: Agencies reporting directly to the president (e.g., NASA, EPA).
- Independent regulatory agencies: Bodies regulating specific areas (e.g., FCC, SEC).
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Description
Explore the various powers and responsibilities of the President of the United States. This quiz covers topics from military leadership to foreign policy, legislative influence, and ceremonial duties. Test your understanding of how these powers shape the executive branch.