In class essay on the presidency Flashcards
What is an imperial presidency?
When the President is all powerful, and his actions breach the limits set by the constitution.
What was Trump v. US 2024?
It was ruled that the President DOES have immunity from prosecution from criminal prosecution for actions taken in office, especially concerning their core constitutional powers.
List Evidence to support imperial presidency
Trump passing executive orders to bypass Congress.
Trump’s creation of the “Gulf of America”
Trump’s support for Russia over Ukraine.
List evidence against imperial presidency
Obama was unable to pass DAPA.
The Supreme Court prevents Trump from outlawing sanctuary cities.
Biden was unable to pass ‘Build Back Better’
What is a lame duck?
Refers to the time when a successor has been nominated, but not inaugurated.
List examples of executive orders
Trump pardoning 1,600 January 6th rioters
Muslim travel ban (Trump)
Trump renaming the Gulf of Mexico
Trump creating D.O.G.E
Obama introduction of DACA
Trump’s ban on paper straws
Biden’s $15 federal minimum wage
Biden - join WHO and PCA, Trump - leave WHO and PCA
Biden: increased immigration cap from 15,000 to 125,000
Trump: Ban transgender athletes from female sports.
List examples of power to persuade
Obama 2013 in the Rose Garden trying to convince Congress to invade Syria (bully pulpit)
Biden met Joe Manchin and Kristen Sinema in 2022 - but it failed to prevent a filibuster.
Obama using the White House as a bully pulpit on gun legislation in 2022.
Who is the current US speaker of the house?
Mike Johnson
Who was the previous US speaker of the house?
Kevin McCarthy
How many executive orders did Biden pass in his first 100 days?
60
What is a pocket veto?
When the President doesn’t sign a bill in the 10 day window before congressional recess.
What is the difference between an Executive Order and an Executive Memoranda?
Executive Order - More formal
Executive Memoranda - less formal
How many of Biden’s executive orders did Trump reverse?
41%
How many of Trump’s executive orders were reversed by Biden?
33% (72)
How many Executive Orders did Trump pass in his first term?
220
What is unanimous consent?
When everyone in Congress agrees on something
What is Pork Barelling?
Adding additional things to legislation to make people vote for it (e.g. bridge to nowhere)
What is an electoral mandate?
The legitimacy a party has to rule (e.g. voted majority)
What is an honest broker?
someone who provides honest opinions to the president
What is a caucus?
A group with similar interest
Examples of caucuses:
Freedom caucus
Problem solver caucus (but they have done nothing)
Women’s caucus
Black caucus
How can a president get what they want?
Persuade congress to vote the way they want
Hold meetings with leaders of the opposition
Offer incentives
Use an executive order
Appeal to the public
Declare a national emergency
What does Cabinet do?
Heads of individual departments, all of which have their own budget.
Can advise the President, but also can suggest what is best for THEIR department.
What does the Executive Office of the President do?
The President’s staff who provide help, advice, coordination, and administrative support.
They help the President do his job.
Why is the National Security Council important?
The NSC is important because it can provide an honest opinion for the president, as seen under Clinton, Bush, Obama and Biden.
HOWEVER, this can be threatened if members are not ‘honest brokers’.
What is the White House Office?
They are the President’s closest advisors. They act as liaisons, screen telephone calls, and are responsible for the day to day running of the White House. They usually act on the President’s behalf.
What is the Chief of Staff?
Most important member of the White House Office. They seek the best interests of the President, and protect them from political harm. Their daily contact with the President makes their role immensely powerful.
Biden had 2 chief of staffs, and Obama had 4 in his first term, with 1 in his second.
What is the Office of Management and Budget?
They advise the President on the budget and oversee federal department funding.
Name a member of Biden’s cabinet, and what they did
Lloyd Austin - Secretary of defence, comes from Army
Anthony Blinkins - Secretary of State
Merrick Garland - Attorney General
