US Government Chapter 4 and 5 Review

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Questions and Answers

Which action can the president take to check Congress' power?

He may veto the bill so that it does not become official law.

Which is an example of the president checking the power of the legislative branch?

President Barack Obama's veto of the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline.

Which is an example of Congress checking the power of the president?

The refusal of Congress to approve funding for a border wall proposed by President Trump.

What are considered valid reasons for Congress to impeach the president?

Treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors. Signup and view all the answers

How does the War Powers Resolution relate to the authority granted to the president and Congress in the Constitution?

It upholds the authority of Congress to declare war and limits the power of the president as commander in chief. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Supreme Court's decision regarding President Trump's travel ban exemplify?

The judicial branch checking the executive branch. Signup and view all the answers

What is a recent example of the Supreme Court checking the power of the executive branch?

The deadlock at the Supreme Court regarding President Obama's executive order on immigration. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the 25th amendment?

To establish the line of succession should a president become incapacitated. Signup and view all the answers

What is the formal role of the first spouse in the United States government?

The first spouse has no formal role in the United States government. Signup and view all the answers

Which group is part of the executive office of the president?

The Council of Economic Advisers. Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the executive office of the president coordinates foreign policy initiatives?

The National Security Council. Signup and view all the answers

How may a president use the State of the Union address?

As a tool for bargaining and persuasion in Congress. Signup and view all the answers

When should a newly elected presidential candidate try to pass healthcare reform legislation?

Within the first six months of their election. Signup and view all the answers

What tactic should a policy adviser suggest to a president facing a difficult Congress?

Going public to urge Americans to pressure their representatives. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of President Trump's use of social media?

Announcing policy initiatives and plans on Twitter. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristics would make President Obama a modern president?

Expanded government power, gaining more authority from Congress, and making unilateral decisions. Signup and view all the answers

What initiative might a first spouse champion to promote healthy lifestyles for children?

A campaign to lower barriers of entry into afterschool sports programs. Signup and view all the answers

What event during President Obama's presidency increased public approval?

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

How do public approval trends affect a president's ability to act during a crisis?

Public approval often increases during a time of crisis, allowing the president to expand executive power. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean for a president to use bargaining and persuasion?

It means trying to get Congress members to support policies through direct appeals. Signup and view all the answers

Who was the first president to authorize a drone strike that killed an American citizen?

George W. Bush. Signup and view all the answers

How should a president interpret their authority as commander-in-chief during wartime?

To expand their role to make swift, strong decisions. Signup and view all the answers

Why might some citizens criticize deadly force used on American citizens suspected of terrorism?

Such actions violate a citizen's right to due process. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of the executive branch allows the president to act quickly in emergencies?

The president can act alone. Signup and view all the answers

What precedent was set by the Supreme Court's decision in Hamdi versus Rumsfeld?

That a president may not compromise the rights of American citizens during wartime. Signup and view all the answers

What amendment is associated with the controversy over surveillance programs on US citizens?

The Fourth Amendment. Signup and view all the answers

In times of crisis, which entity has the most effective check on the executive branch?

The judicial branch. Signup and view all the answers

In order for someone to be considered a candidate for the United States Senate, how many years of citizenship must he or she have?

9 years Signup and view all the answers

Which is a responsibility of Congress?

Setting the federal budget Signup and view all the answers

The budget measure proposed by a senator directing money to his district for improving parks is an example of what?

Earmarks Signup and view all the answers

What process acts as a check by the legislative branch on the executive branch?

The process of impeachment Signup and view all the answers

On what grounds may the House of Representatives issue articles of impeachment against the president?

Treason Signup and view all the answers

Why might one defend the reinstatement of earmarks in Congress?

Earmarks allow Congress to better advocate for their constituents Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a member of Congress ensuring funds are sent efficiently and officials act in accordance with the law?

Oversight Signup and view all the answers

What happens after articles of impeachment have been successfully passed in the House of Representatives?

A trial is held in the Senate to convict or acquit the accused official Signup and view all the answers

How does representation in the House of Representatives differ from that in the Senate?

Senate representation is the same for each state, regardless of population, while House representation depends on state population. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of the 1842 Apportionment Act?

To mandate single-member districts in the House of Representatives Signup and view all the answers

What is the process called that determines the number of representatives each state gets based on census data?

Apportionment Signup and view all the answers

What is it called when a state re-draws its districts to favor certain interests?

Gerrymandering Signup and view all the answers

What did the Supreme Court decide in Baker v. Carr?

Congressional districts must have roughly the same number of constituents Signup and view all the answers

What would it indicate if a state's legislature has not listed a commission to redraw its congressional district boundaries?

A violation of the Fourteenth Amendment Signup and view all the answers

How would an incumbent candidate for Senate likely fare against a new challenger?

Well, due to name recognition and experience Signup and view all the answers

Why might citizens choose to elect a new senator in an election?

The constituents may feel that the senator no longer represents their values or interests Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between an incumbent congressional campaign and that of a new candidate?

An incumbent's campaign focuses on connecting with constituents, while a new candidate focuses on name recognition and fundraising. Signup and view all the answers

What is the only leadership position in the House of Representatives?

Speaker of the House Signup and view all the answers

What role does a member of the House of Representatives have if they are working to convince others to vote in favor of legislation?

Majority whip Signup and view all the answers

What is the title of a Republican member responsible for opposition strategies in a Democrat-controlled House?

House minority leader Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of a political action committee?

To raise money for candidates running for the House of Representatives Signup and view all the answers

How does the power of the Speaker of the House compare to that of the Senate Majority Leader?

The Speaker of the House has more power than the Senate Majority Leader Signup and view all the answers

What type of committee develops legislation regarding agriculture, food, and rural development?

Standing committee Signup and view all the answers

What type of committee is established to reconcile different versions of a bill from the House and Senate?

Conference committee Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of a select committee?

To investigate specifics related to a scandal or to handle a crisis within the federal government Signup and view all the answers

Which body of government has the authority to introduce bills?

The House of Representatives Signup and view all the answers

What is the next step for a bill after it is introduced in either the House or the Senate?

It will be referred to a committee Signup and view all the answers

What is a motion filed by a member of Congress to move a bill out of committee called?

Filibuster Signup and view all the answers

What is it called when a senator speaks for an extended period to delay a vote?

Filibuster Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a bill if the president vetoes it and Congress fails to override the veto?

Dies and does not become a law Signup and view all the answers

What type of spending is defense spending considered?

Discretionary spending Signup and view all the answers

What is national debt?

The total amount owed by the federal government Signup and view all the answers

What argument might a Congress person use to maintain social security benefits as mandatory spending?

Changing benefits and taxes would produce a political backlash against lawmakers Signup and view all the answers

What measure has been proposed to alleviate shortfalls in social security benefits?

Reducing the benefits paid to current recipients Signup and view all the answers

Which group advises the president on national spending priorities?

The Office of Management and Budget Signup and view all the answers

Which area of the budget could reasonably be cut to reduce federal spending?

Defense spending Signup and view all the answers

Why are entitlement programs classified as mandatory spending?

Americans depend upon the recipient of such benefits, and the programs cannot be cut Signup and view all the answers

What budget condition arises if the United States generates $21.5 trillion and spends $19.5 trillion?

A budget surplus Signup and view all the answers

What role is a senator playing if he advocates legislation benefiting agricultural farmers?

Delegate role Signup and view all the answers

What role is played by a representative who believes he knows what is best for his constituents?

Trustee role Signup and view all the answers

What might a political scientist studying partisan polarization focus on?

Gridlock Signup and view all the answers

What do efforts to increase descriptive representation in Congress aim to achieve?

Increasing the membership of women or minorities Signup and view all the answers

Why might improving substantive representation be more beneficial than descriptive representation?

It allows Congress to better reflect the interests of American citizens as a whole Signup and view all the answers

How might focusing on substantive representation alleviate partisan polarization?

By helping Congress represent constituent interests rather than party affiliations Signup and view all the answers

What period manifests itself as partisan polarization during a president's term?

A lame duck period Signup and view all the answers

What would be a push by activist groups to encourage minority groups to run for office?

Descriptive representation Signup and view all the answers

What role does the President of the United States act as the head of?

Executive branch Signup and view all the answers

How did the War on Terror expand the power of the executive branch?

By implementing policies without congressional approval to combat terrorism threats Signup and view all the answers

What are the rights violated when Yaser Hamdi was imprisoned without being read his Miranda rights?

His rights to due process Signup and view all the answers

Which president made extensive use of drones during the War on Terror?

President Obama Signup and view all the answers

What action might the president take if an American citizen is suspected of joining a terrorist network?

Authorizing a drone strike against them Signup and view all the answers

Under what act does the president have authority to use military force against terrorists?

Authorization for Use of Military Force Act Signup and view all the answers

What was Anwar al-Awlaki accused of?

Recruiting followers for al-Qaeda over the internet Signup and view all the answers

Which political figure emphasized energy and swift action as key traits for an executive leader?

Alexander Hamilton Signup and view all the answers

What limits were placed on the president regarding terms in office?

22nd Amendment Signup and view all the answers

Why was it important to have only one executive leader according to Alexander Hamilton?

Having two leaders would weaken the ability to protect the nation Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of the President's enumerated powers?

Acting as commander-in-chief of the United States Army Signup and view all the answers

If the president grants law enforcement officers authority to deport immigrants swiftly, what role is he fulfilling?

Chief executive Signup and view all the answers

What role does the president assume when mobilizing troops to fight terrorists?

Commander in chief Signup and view all the answers

What impairment might indicate a president’s inability to act as chief legislator during a government shutdown?

Denying the president the ability to give a state of the Union address Signup and view all the answers

What unilateral decision did President Trump make regarding firearms?

Banning bump stocks via an executive order Signup and view all the answers

What unilateral action did President Lincoln take during the Civil War?

Issuing the Emancipation Proclamation Signup and view all the answers

How is the president able to influence the legislative process?

By threatening to veto a bill Signup and view all the answers

What process demonstrates the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches?

The president acts as commander-in-chief while Congress may declare war Signup and view all the answers

How many votes are necessary to proceed with the impeachment process in Congress?

A majority in the House and a 2/3 vote in the Senate Signup and view all the answers

What is required for Congress to override a presidential veto?

A 2/3 vote in both the House and the Senate Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the War Powers Resolution?

To restrict the president's ability to maintain troops in combat Signup and view all the answers

What precedent might a president cite in refusing to hand over recorded communications to Congress?

United States v Nixon Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

United States Senate and Congress

Candidates for the U.S. Senate must have at least nine years of citizenship.
Setting the federal budget is a core responsibility of Congress.
Earmarks refer to budget measures directing funds to specific districts.

Legislative and Executive Branch Interactions

Impeachment serves as a legislative check on the executive branch.
The House of Representatives can issue articles of impeachment for treason if the president is involved in harmful plots.
Earmarks enable Congress members to advocate effectively for their constituencies.

Role and Function of Congressional Members

Oversight involves Congress ensuring funds are allocated efficiently and laws are followed.
After articles of impeachment pass the House, a Senate trial occurs to determine conviction or acquittal.
Senate representation is equal for each state, contrasting with the House, which is population-based.

Districting and Representation

The 1842 Apportionment Act established single-member districts in the House of Representatives.
Gerrymandering manipulates district boundaries to favor specific interest groups.
Congressional districts must contain roughly the same number of constituents per Supreme Court decision in Baker v. Carr.

Campaign Dynamics and Political Roles

Incumbents benefit from name recognition and experience in elections.
Citizens might seek new senators if representation no longer aligns with their values.
Incumbent campaigns focus on direct constituent connections, whereas newcomers emphasize fundraising and recognition.

Leadership in Congress

The Speaker of the House is the primary leadership position in the House of Representatives.
The Majority Whip actively works to influence votes on legislation.
The House Minority Leader coordinates strategies against the ruling party's proposals.

Committees and Legislative Processes

Political Action Committees (PACs) primarily raise funds for candidates.
Standing committees, like the agriculture committee, develop specialized legislation.
Conference committees reconcile different versions of legislation from the House and Senate.

Bill Proposal and Legislative Challenges

Bills can be introduced primarily in the House of Representatives, which must refer them to a committee first.
The complex legislative process was designed to ensure laws reflect more than temporary public desires.
Citizens can influence Congress by advocating for bill introductions through their representatives.

Budgeting and Spending

Most bills introduced in Congress fail due to a complicated legislative process.
Discretionary spending includes defense spending, while national debt reflects the total federal government obligation.
Social Security is classified as mandatory spending; modifications could result in political backlash.

Federal Executive Powers and Actions

The president acts as the head of the executive branch and can implement policies unilaterally, especially in times of crisis.
Presidents, like Obama, have utilized drone strikes against suspected terrorists without prior congressional approval.
The Authorization for Use of Military Force Act allows presidents to use military action against terrorists.

Balancing Powers and Checks

Congress may override a presidential veto with a two-thirds majority in both chambers.
The War Powers Resolution limits the president's ability to maintain troops without congressional consent.
Supreme Court rulings, such as United States v. Nixon, emphasize checks on executive power.

Succession and Roles in Government

The 25th Amendment outlines presidential succession in case of incapacitation.
The first spouse has no formal government role but may influence policies through support.
Key groups within the Executive Office of the President include the National Security Council and the Council of Economic Advisers.

Legislative Strategy and Timing

Presidents often use the State of the Union address to negotiate with Congress.
Newly elected presidents should aim to pass major reforms early in their term, such as within six months.
Effective timing is crucial for advancing popular legislation amidst party opposition in Congress.### Going Public
Going public is a strategy for the president to mobilize public opinion to pressure Congressional representatives.
This tactic can amplify support for policy initiatives, potentially easing the passage of legislation.

Donald Trump utilized Twitter for frequent, direct communication concerning policy initiatives.
His approach exemplifies going public, highlighting its importance in modern political communication.

Modern Presidential Characteristics

President Obama embodied the traits of a modern president, effectively expanding executive power.
He implemented new legislation and made unilateral decisions, especially during wartime.
Received significant media attention, reflecting a collaborative governance style.

Initiatives of the First Spouse

The first spouse has a platform to continue initiatives such as promoting healthy lifestyles for youth.
A campaign targeting barriers to afterschool sports programs aligns with health-centric objectives.

Public Approval and Crisis Situations

Successful events, like the assassination of Osama bin Laden, can significantly boost a president's public approval ratings.
Increased approval during crises enables presidents to expand executive actions with reduced opposition.

Bargaining and Persuasion

Presidents engage Congress through direct appeals, such as calls and meetings, exemplifying bargaining and persuasion tactics.
This effort aims to gain bipartisan support for policies and programs.

Drone Strike Precedence

George W. Bush was the first president to authorize a drone strike that resulted in the death of an American citizen.
This decision raised ethical and legal questions regarding national security and civil rights.

Presidential Authority in War

As commander-in-chief during wartime, a president may interpret his authority as a mandate to make swift, decisive choices.
This interpretation supports a more significant executive role in national security matters.

Criticism of Using Deadly Force

Citizens may criticize actions like drone strikes against American terrorists, arguing that such actions violate due process rights.
This concern reflects broader debates about civil liberties in the context of national security.

Executive Branch Characteristics

The capability of the president to act unilaterally is a defining feature that allows for rapid decision-making in emergencies.
This characteristic is vital for maintaining effective governance during crises.

Supreme Court Precedent

The Hamdi v. Rumsfeld decision established that the rights of American citizens cannot be compromised during wartime.
This ruling underscores the judiciary's role as a check on presidential power.

Ongoing Surveillance Issues

Despite judicial rulings, the National Security Agency continued surveillance of US citizens, potentially infringing upon Fourth Amendment rights.
This ongoing practice raises significant legal and ethical concerns about privacy and governmental authority.

Judicial Branch as a Check

During military or economic crises, the judicial branch acts as a crucial check on executive authority.
Its role ensures that the constitutional rights of citizens are upheld, even amid expansive executive powers.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the key concepts from Chapters 4 and 5 of US Government, highlighting the requirements for Senate candidates and the responsibilities of Congress. Test your knowledge on federal budget processes and local government funding.