US Government Unit 2: Presidential Powers

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Questions and Answers

What does the term 'clemency' refer to in a legal context?

The authority to imprison individuals indefinitely

The power to reduce penalties for crimes (correct)

The power to sentence someone to death

The ability to make laws for federal crimes

What is a primary criticism of the Electoral College system?

It ensures smaller states have more say in elections.

It disregards the popular vote. (correct)

It promotes voting efficiency among citizens.

It effectively reduces the impact of voter fraud.

What is true about the process of issuing a pardon?

It implies that the person was innocent of the crime

It can only occur before a person is convicted

It absolves a person of consequences for federal crimes (correct)

It requires a unanimous decision from Congress

What is required for the House of Representatives to begin the impeachment process?

Passage of articles of impeachment by a simple majority. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the Electoral College system?

A candidate needs 270 Electoral Votes to win the presidency Signup and view all the answers

What does an executive order primarily represent?

A directive issued by the President Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court play during an impeachment trial?

He/she oversees the trial proceedings. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following defines a 'lame duck' official?

An official who is finishing their term after an election. Signup and view all the answers

What role do executive agencies play in the government?

They enforce legislation and advise the president Signup and view all the answers

What does the 25th Amendment provide for regarding presidential succession?

It outlines the process for replacing a president who is unable to fulfill duties. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the qualifications required to be president?

Must be born in the United States Signup and view all the answers

Which power allows the president to recommend legislation to Congress?

Legislative Power Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of implied powers of the president?

Emerged over time due to needs of office Signup and view all the answers

What happens if the president does nothing with a bill when Congress is in session?

The bill becomes law after 10 days Signup and view all the answers

Which power is NOT explicitly stated in the Constitution but has emerged over time for the president?

Emergency Powers Signup and view all the answers

What is the main ruling from Clinton v. City of New York (1998) regarding the line item veto?

It ruled that the line item veto is unconstitutional. Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario does a pocket veto occur?

When Congress is not in session and the president takes no action Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the president as 'Chief of Party'?

To lead and fundraise for their political party Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Unit 2 Content: Insuring Domestic Tranquility

The unit focuses on the topic of ensuring domestic tranquility.

Presidential Qualifications

To be president, a candidate must be 35 years old.
A candidate must be born in the U.S.
A candidate must have lived in the U.S. for at least 14 years.

Presidential Powers

Expressed/Enumerated (Formal): Powers explicitly stated in the Constitution.
- These powers are explicitly spelled out in the Constitution.
Implied/Informal/Inherent: Powers not explicitly stated but assumed based on needs of the office or the country.
- These powers evolved over time due to the evolving needs of the office and country.

Enumerated Powers of the President

Chief Executive: Controls Executive Branch.
Diplomatic Powers: Negotiates treaties with foreign governments and receives ambassadors. These actions require Senate approval.
Military Powers: Commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
Legislative Powers: Can propose and pass laws; can veto legislation.
Judicial Powers: Nominates judges (including Supreme Court justices), ambassadors, and other federal officers. These nominations require Senate approval.

Judiciary

The U.S. President appoints federal judges, including Supreme Court justices.
The illustration shows the number of federal judges appointed by Trump and Biden, including District Courts, Courts of Appeals, and Supreme Court judges.
- Trump appointed 231 federal judges.
- Biden appointed 179 federal judges

Implied Powers of the President

War Powers: Guides political party, is a figurehead, and delivers speeches.
Chief of Party: Leads political party.
Chief of State: Honors and greets people.
Emergency Powers: Acts to address unforeseen issues.
Executive Privilege: Keeps some communications confidential.
Executive Orders: Issues directives to government agencies.
Power of Recognition: Grants official recognition.
Guardian of the Economy: Acts to ensure economic wellbeing.

Legislative Checks

Veto: President can reject legislation.
Line Item Veto: Rejected by the Supreme Court, executive power to reject portions of legislation.

Pocket Veto

If Congress is not in session, a bill becomes law only if it is not actively vetoed by the President, within a 10-day period.

Judicial Checks

Clemency (pardons, reprieves, commutations): Leniency regarding a punishment, power to absolve, and can free individuals of criminal consequences.
Pardons: Forgiving someone of consequences for federal crimes. This can happen before or after conviction. It doesn’t imply innocence.
Power to reduce (commute) penalty: Reducing the severity of criminal penalties.
Cancel/postpone: Postponing or canceling a sentence (usually for capital punishment)

Executive Order

President issues a directive to the Executive Branch.
An executive order is a directive from the president to a government agency.
Exectutive Orders have the same weight as law.
Subject to judicial review, though easily repealed.

Electoral College

System for electing a president involving electoral votes instead of a popular vote.
The candidate with the most popular votes in a state receives all electoral votes in that state. (48 states).
In Maine and Nebraska, electoral votes are distributed based on the winner of each congressional district.
A presidential candidate needs 270 electoral votes to win.

Impeachment

The president, like other federal officials, can be impeached for "high crimes and misdemeanors."
The House of Representatives starts impeachment process—a majority vote needed to pass articles of impeachment.
The Senate then tries the case; the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court presides.
A two-thirds vote in the Senate is needed to convict and remove the official from office.

Lame Duck

An elected official in the final period of office, after the election of a successor.
Actions taken are less significant politically, due to lack of power as the position is about to change.

Role of Political Parties

Organize voters around a common message
Register Voters
Fundraise
Energize voters
Work to elect party members
Educate voters
Train candidates

Political Ideologies

Liberals: Favor government action to achieve equality and protect individual rights and liberties.
Conservatives: Prioritize personal responsibility, limited government, and free markets.

Presidential Succession

Qualifications to be president.
Constitutional details on succession.
Presidential Succession Act of 1947 (established a list of successors).
25th Amendment (explains presidential succession if a president resigns or is unable to fulfill their duties).

Cabinet Members

List of the current Cabinet members.

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Description

This quiz covers Unit 2, focusing on the qualifications and powers of the President of the United States. Explore the difference between expressed and implied powers, and understand the constitutional requirements for presidential candidates. Test your knowledge on how these powers have evolved and their implications.