12 - The President

Question 1

Twenty-second Amendment

Answer 1

Ratified in 1951, this amendment lim- its presidents to two terms of office.

Question 2

Twenty-fifth Amendment

Answer 2

Ratified in 1967, this amendment permits the vice president to become act- ing president if the vice president and the president’s cabinet determine that the president is disabled, and it out- lines how a recuperated president can reclaim the job.

Question 3

impeachment

Answer 3

The political equivalent of an indictment in criminal law, prescribed by the Constitution. The House of Representatives may impeach the president by a majority vote for “Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.”

Question 4

Watergate

Answer 4

The events and scandal surround- ing a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in 1972 and the subsequent cover-up of White House involvement, lead- ing to the eventual resignation of President Nixon under the threat of impeachment.

Question 5

executive orders

Answer 5

Regulations originating with the executive branch. Executive orders are one method presidents can use to control the bureaucracy.

Question 6

cabinet

Answer 6

A group of presidential advisers not mentioned in the Constitution, although every president has had one. Today the cabinet is composed of 14 secretaries, the attorney general, and others designated by the president.

Question 7

National Security Council

Answer 7

The committee that links the president’s foreign and military policy advisers. Its formal members are the president, vice president, secretary of state, and secretary of defense, and it is managed by the president’s national security assistant.

Question 8

Council of Economic Advisers

Answer 8

A three-member body appointed by the president to advise the president on economic policy.

Question 9

Office of Management and Budget

Answer 9

An office that prepares the president’s budget and also advises presidents on proposals from departments and agencies and helps review their pro- posed regulations.

Question 10

veto

Answer 10

The constitutional power of the president to send a bill back to Congress with reasons for rejecting it. A two- thirds vote in each house can override a veto.

Question 11

pocket veto

Answer 11

A type of veto occurring when Congress adjourns within 10 days of submitting a bill to the president and the president simply lets the bill die by neither signing nor vetoing it.

Question 12

presidential coattails

Answer 12

These occur when voters cast their ballots for congressional candidates of the president’s party because they support the president. Recent studies show that few races are won this way.

Question 13

War Powers Resolution

Answer 13

A law passed in 1973, in reaction to American fighting in Vietnam and Cambodia, that requires presidents to consult with Congress when- ever possible prior to using military force and to withdraw forces after 60 days unless Congress declares war or grants an extension. However, presidents have viewed the resolution as unconstitutional.

Question 14

legislative veto

Answer 14

A vote in Congress to override a presidential decision. Although the War Powers Resolution asserts this authority, there is reason to believe that, if challenged, the Supreme Court would find the legislative veto in violation of the doctrine of separation of powers.

Question 15

crisis

Answer 15

A sudden, unpredictable, and potentially dangerous event requiring the president to play the role of crisis manager.