The Presidency and its Powers

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following powers allows the president to manage the bureaucracy?

Expressed powers (correct)

Delegated powers

Veto power

Inherent powers

What has become less common as Congress has become more evenly divided?

Congress declaring war

Presidential pardoning

Presidential vetoes (correct)

Presidents recommending measures

What trend has been observed regarding presidential approval ratings throughout their term?

Approval ratings start higher than they end (correct)

Approval ratings drop consistently after the midterm elections

Presidents are less popular in their first term

Every president maintains above 50% approval throughout their presidency

Which power allows the president to take actions during a crisis, often without explicit Congressional approval?

Inherent powers Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant challenge faced by presidents in managing Congress?

Increased polarization of parties Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the president's roles as articulated in the War Powers Act?

To seek Congressional approval for troop deployments over 60 days Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the vice president's role is accurate today?

They have become increasingly important in policy-making. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary legislative function of the president?

To veto legislation and recommend measures Signup and view all the answers

What impact do external events have on presidential approval ratings?

They can greatly influence public perception and approval. Signup and view all the answers

What was one concern during the constitutional convention regarding the presidency?

The potential for a king-like figure Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the defining features of the American presidency mentioned?

Symbol of American unity Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of presidential power has been a topic of debate?

The extent and reach of presidential authority Signup and view all the answers

What fundamental decision was made regarding the length of presidential terms?

Four-year terms with no limit Signup and view all the answers

How did the founders intend for the president to be elected?

By an electoral college system Signup and view all the answers

Which historical event exemplifies concerns over presidential power?

The assassination of Osama bin Laden Signup and view all the answers

In terms of stability, what issue is often raised regarding presidential terms?

Changing presidents results in erratic policies Signup and view all the answers

What was a key philosophical concern among the framers concerning presidential authority?

Avoiding the establishment of a monarchy Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects a common critique of the modern presidency?

The president has become too powerful for a democratic framework Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason for the establishment of the electoral college?

To prevent Congress from having undue influence in elections Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Presidency

The president is a powerful position with enormous authority, leading to debates about the balance of power in a democratic republic.
Debates arise regarding the president's potential overreach, highlighted by events like the assassination of Osama bin Laden and the implementation of Muslim travel bans.
The instability caused by changing presidential terms raises questions about the need for greater consistency in policy.

Defining the American President

The Founding Fathers debated whether the US should have a president to avoid creating a king-like figure.
They decided on a four-year term, initially without a term limit, leading to the amendment after Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency.
The Founders envisioned an "Electoral College" to select the president, not direct popular vote, Congress, or state legislatures.
Today, the president is chosen through a combination of popular vote and the Electoral College.

Presidential Powers

Expressed Powers: Explicitly granted by the Constitution, including:
- Veto power (balanced by Congress)
- Nominating Supreme Court Justices
- Serving as Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces
- Issuing pardons
- Negotiating treaties
Delegated Powers: Granted by Congress, including:
- Executing laws passed by Congress, reflecting the phrase "take care that the laws be faithfully executed."
Inherent Powers: Assumed by the president, often during crises, stemming from the constitutional phrase "The executive power shall be vested in a President of the United States."
- Example: President George W. Bush's detention and torture of suspected terrorists after 9/11.

What Presidents Do

Commander-in-Chief: With increasing military power, the president has significant authority in foreign policy.
Top Diplomat: The president negotiates treaties and engages with foreign leaders.
Head of State: The president represents the US on the global stage.
First Legislator: The president sets the agenda for Congress by proposing legislation.
State of the Union Address: The president reports to Congress on the state of the nation.
Veto Power: The president can reject legislation passed by Congress.
Signing Statements: When signing a law, the president can issue a statement explaining their interpretation and application.
Chief Bureaucrat: The president manages the federal bureaucracy.
Economist-in-Chief: The president is held responsible for the economy's performance.
Party Leader: The president is often seen as a national leader and the face of their political party.

Debate: Presidential Power – Too Strong or Too Weak?

Arguments for Too Strong:
- Commander-in-Chief of a large military
- Broad authority through executive orders
- Control over the vast executive branch
Arguments for Too Weak:
- Difficulty in passing legislation through Congress
- Challenges in controlling the bureaucracy

Presidential Leadership

Managing Congress: Recent trends show the senate typically winning over the house of representatives.
Polarization: Increasing polarization in Congress has made it harder for presidents to build coalitions and pass legislation.
Effect of Polarization: Minority presidents are less successful, while majority presidents have slightly more success.

Managing the Public

Going Public: Presidents use various methods to connect with the public, including:
- Press conferences
- Town hall meetings
- Public travel
- Speeches
- Social media
Presidential Approval Ratings:
- Studies suggest that presidential approval ratings are more influenced by external events than what they say.
- Events like wars, economic performance, and national crises have a significant impact.

The President's Team

Vice President: The vice president's importance has increased in recent decades, playing a more active role in presidential leadership.
Cabinet: The cabinet consists of the heads of the major departments in the executive branch, acting as advisors to the president.
Executive Office of the President: The EOP manages the day-to-day operations of the White House.
Chief of Staff: The chief of staff is the president's most frequent advisor.
White House Office: The White House Office assists the president in various administrative and policy tasks.
First Lady: The First Lady acts as a hostess and has increasingly taken on policy initiatives related to social causes.

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Description

Explore the complexities of the American presidency, including its creation by the Founding Fathers and the balance of power within a democratic republic. This quiz delves into historical debates about presidential authority and the processes of selecting the president through the Electoral College. Assess your understanding of the powers and limitations of this essential governmental role.