Study Questions – ExecutiveBranch Test

Directions: Use your notes and textbook in order to answer the following questions. These questions are to assist you as you review for your unit test. This is not a homework assignment and the answers to these questions will not be collected. This is strictly to help guide your preparation and study efforts for the test.

Chapter 8 – The Executive Branch

8A.Describe the executive branch contained within the Articles of Confederation. In terms of the Constitution, explain the difference in layout between Article I and Article II.

8B.Identify the age, residency, and citizenship requirements which must be met in order for an individual to become president.

8C.Explain how the Twelfth and Twenty–Third Amendments altered the procedures of the Electoral College.

8D.Explain how the Twentieth Amendment has influenced the term of office for U.S. presidents and how it minimizes the “lame duck” period. Furthermore, on what date do presidential inaugurations now take place?

8E.Discuss how the Twenty–Second Amendment has influenced the number of terms to which U.S. presidents can now be elected. How did the presidency of FDR result in the passage of this amendment?

8F.Explain how the Twenty–Fifth Amendment addresses the issue of presidential illness or disability during his term. Furthermore, identify how this amendment allows the president to select a new vice president if that position becomes vacant. Explain the scenario which led to Gerald Ford becoming the first “appointed” president.

8G.Identify the two constitutional responsibilities which the Framers assigned to the vice president.

8H.Describe the two–step impeachment and identify reasons (indicated in the Constitution) why presidents or vice presidents may be removed from office prior to the conclusion of their terms.

8I.Define the term executive privilege and explain how it has been used by U.S. presidents. Furthermore, discuss the controversy surrounding executive privilege during the Watergate investigation and explain the Supreme Court’s ruling in U.S. v. Nixon (1974).

8J.Describe the current line of presidential succession (Presidential Succession Act of 1947) and identify the top three positions to serve as president if he is unable to fulfill presidential his duties.

8K.Explain the appointment power held by the president. Identify three types of people are appointed by the president. Explain whether or each type of appointments require advice and consent of the Senate.

8L.Discuss the president’s power to convene Congress. Explain why this presidential power has rarely been used by recent presidents.

8M.Discuss the role of the president in making foreign treaties. Identify what must happen before a treaty can take effect. Furthermore, define executive agreements and explain why presidents prefer to use them instead of treaties.

8N.Describe the veto power held by the president and how he can use this as a powerful check on the actions of Congress. In addition, explain the line–item veto that existed from 1996–1998. Explain reasons why the line–item veto ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.

8O.Define the War Powers Act (1973) and explain how it has influenced the balance in military power between the president and Congress.

8P.Discuss the judicial powers of the president and explain how the president can influence the direction of the federal courts through his judicial appointments. Furthermore, define pardons and reprieves and discuss how these powers serve as a check on the judicial branch.

8Q.Discuss how the size of the executive branch and the power of U.S. presidents have changed throughout our nation’s history. How has the use of the informal powers of the president and precedents contributed to this change in power?

8R.Explain the use of inherent powers by U.S. presidents. Identify the presidential action taken by Thomas Jefferson which serves as the best example of this type of power.

8S.Discuss the selection process for vice presidential candidates. Identify who selects candidates for vice president and explain the factors impacting this selection.

8T.Describe the composition of the president’s cabinet. Explain how these individuals are nominated and confirmed for the positions which they hold.

8U.Examine the role of first ladies in presidential administrations. Identify types of initiatives that are usually undertaken during presidential administrations.

8V.Identify the major agencies and components of the Executive Office of the President (EOP). Explain the job of these agencies in assisting the president.

8W.Discuss the purpose of the White House Staff. Explain how they get their positions and discuss how they “serve at the pleasure of the president.” Identify the person who takes lead in coordinating the White House Staff.

8X.Identify major tends which exist in presidential approval ratings. Explain how a president’s approval rating can result in increasing or decreasing amounts of power.

8Y.Identify the objective of a president when he attempts to “go public” with this message. Explain why presidents use this tactic to build support for their programs.

8Z.Discuss the role of presidents in proposing and facilitating legislation through Congress. Furthermore, explain how presidents use the State of the Union Address in order to broadcast their message and advance their legislative agendas.

8AA.Explain role does the president serve in the budget process. Furthermore, discuss the role which the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) plays in this process and explain how it assists the president with his budgetary duties.

8BB.Define executive orders and discuss a president’s ability to influence the direction of programs and policy by issuing them.

Review the following concepts covered in the legislative branch (Chapter 7):

Pocket Vetos

Legislative Oversight

Financial Powers of Congress: “Power of the Purse”

Advice and Consent Power of the Senate