16 Questions
Who oversees other members of the executive branch?
Chief of the executive branch
What does the leader on the world stage do with other nations?
Conducts diplomacy
What does the political party leader do to advance a legislative agenda?
Coordinates with party members in Congress
Who oversees the armed forces of the United States?
Commander in chief
Who proposes an annual budget setting out legislative priorities?
Chief of the executive branch
Who appoints federal court judges and Supreme Court justices?
Chief of the executive branch
What does the chief of the executive branch do to carry out and enforce the nation’s laws?
Issues executive orders
What does the chief of the executive branch do to take care that the laws are faithfully executed?
Supervises agencies that issue regulations
Who delivers a State of the Union address to Congress?
Chief of the executive branch
Who takes an oath to remain faithful to the Constitution?
Chief of the executive branch
What were the key differences in the presidential approaches of Taft and Roosevelt?
Taft insisted that the president can only act with constitutional authority, while Roosevelt believed that the president can do anything not explicitly forbidden by the Constitution.
What were the implications of the Youngstown v. Sawyer case for the limits of executive power?
The case tested the limits of executive power and the Supreme Court ruled that only Congress, not the president, has the power to make laws.
How did the emergence of the 'Imperial Presidency' impact the perception of presidential power?
The 'Imperial Presidency' led to presidents viewing themselves as stewards of the people and channels of popular will, contributing to ongoing debates about the scope of presidential power.
How does the winner-take-all electoral system affect the focus of presidential candidates?
It forces candidates to focus on a few states with close races, such as Ohio, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
What impact does the Electoral College have on the principle of every vote counting equally?
It violates the principle by allowing some states to have disproportionate influence based on their electoral votes.
How would abolishing the Electoral College change the equality of every vote?
It would make every vote equal by allowing citizens to vote directly for the president.
Study Notes
The Presidency and Executive Power
- The Constitution grants fewer specific powers to the president than to Congress and outlines presidential election and removal procedures.
Constitutional Convention Debates
- Debates focused on structuring the presidency, including single president vs. divided powers.
- Proposals for electing the president included popular election and election by Congress.
- The length of the president's term and re-election were also debated.
- The president's role in the legislative process was considered, including veto power and the Council of Revision.
- Impeachment and removal from office procedures were established.
Expansion of Presidential Powers
- Executive orders have increased significantly over time, starting with George Washington.
- Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson saw a significant rise in executive orders, shifting from a chief magistrate to a stewardship vision of the presidency.
Visions of the Presidency
- The chief magistrate vision: a ceremonial, limited role for the president.
- The stewardship vision: an active, leading role for the president, exemplified by Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson.
- The New Nationalism and 18th-century anachronism notions have shaped the presidency.
Evolution of the Presidency
- The president's role has evolved from a legal executive to a political leader and national guide.
- The presidency's powers have expanded over time, with the rise of executive orders.
Test your knowledge on the roles and responsibilities of the US President and the executive branch. Learn about their functions in diplomacy, treaty negotiation, and law enforcement.
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