Unit 2: Chapter 6 Flashcards
What is the electoral college?
The House of Representatives which convenes together if the electoral election did not produce a majority for any of the candidates. They then cast one vote each for President. Currently, they vote for the state.
What did the 12th Amendment state ?
That electors would now cast one ballot for President and a second ballot for President.
What did the 23rd Amendment state?
That the District of Columbia would be granted three electors.
What is more than half?
A majority
What is a minority President ?
A candidate who fails to win a majority of popular votes and yet wins the Presidency.
What is the highest number but less than half?
Plurality
What is the “winner-take-all” system ?
It is a system used by 48 of the 50 states. The candidate that receives more state votes than the other candidates receives all the electoral votes or none of them.
How long is a Presidential term ?
Four years
What Amendment states that the President may be elected to only two terms, and he may not serve as President for more than ten years ?
The 22nd Amendment
What are the three Constitutional Qualifications for President ?
- Must be a natural-born citizen
- Must be at least 35 years old
- Must have resisted in the US for at least 14 years
What are the informal qualifications for President ?
- No President has been younger than 40 years old
- Presidential candidates have, traditionally, been Protestant.
- A candidate is also expected to have political experience
What US President was Roman Catholic ?
John F. Kennedy
What did the 25th Amendment say ?
Under certain circumstances, the Vice President “shall become President”
What is the order for Presidential succession ?
Vice President Speaker of the House President pro tem Secretary of State Heads of the other Cabinet departments in order of their creation
Who fixes the President’s salary ?
Congress
What are the two official duties of the Vice President ?
- To preside over the Senate
- To help determine when the President is unable to carry out his responsibilities and serve as acting President (if need be)
What was Gerald R. Ford known for ?
- He was the first person to become Vice President by being nominated by the President and approved by Congress
- He was the first President in American history who was not elected to the office.
Who gives the President his authority ?
God
What breeds good leadership ?
Good character
What are some factors that have contributed to the growth of presidential power?
- Congress granted power through legislation
- National emergencies have given unprecedented power.
- Welfare has grown steadily
- Through the demonstration of leadership qualities
What is Article II, Section I ?
It is the foundation of the President’s authority and influence.
What are the five primary role of the President of the United States?
- Chief of State
- Chief Executive
- Chief Legislator
- Chief Diplomat
- Commander in Chief
What is the President’s role as Chief of State ?
The ceremonial head of the government and the symbol of national unity.
What are the three ceremonial functions the President serves in as Chief of State ?
- His inauguration
- His State of the Union address
- His reception of ambassadors from other countries
What Amendment stated that the inauguration is to take place on January 20 instead of March 4?
The 20th Amendment
What is the Inaugural Address ?
A speech usually expressing the main points to be followed by the President’s new administration
What is the State of the Union Address ?
A Presidential report on the state of the union.
What is protocol ?
The collection of behaviors and ceremonies that are observed by diplomats and heads of state.
What is the Chief Executive ?
He is the one responsible to see that the laws of the federal government are enforced.
What are commands by the President which have the force of law without Congress’ approval?
Executive Orders
What is the power to issue such orders called ?
Ordinance power
What is the President’s panel of advisors ?
His Cabinet
What is a reprieve?
A postponement of a sentence
What is a pardon ?
A legal exoneration for a crime
What does it mean to commute a penalty ?
To reduce it
What is a general pardon issued to a group of people all at one time?
Amnesty
What does the President do as Chief Legislature ?
He seeks to influence the lawmaking process
What are the issues that will be considered and debated in Congress during the coming year?
The agenda
What does the President do as Chief Diplomat ?
He has the power to extend national recognition to foreign countries, propose and ratify treaties, and issue executive agreements.
What is the recognition of the existence of that nation and the legitimacy of its government ?
Diplomatic Recognition
What is a treaty ?
A formal agreement between nations
What is the most famous treaty to be signed in recent times ?
START
Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty
What is the most famous refusal to approve a Presidential treaty ?
The Treaty of Versailles
What is an executive agreement ?
An informal agreement entered into by the President and the leader of a foreign nation or by their representatives.
What is the President’s job as Commander in Chief ?
He controls the military forces of the federal government but also may call out the organized state militias
What did the War Powers Resolution say ?
It was designed to limit the time a President could keep American forces involved in a foreign conflict without an approval of Congress.
What organization is involved most directly in assisting the President ?
The Executive Office of the President
What is the President’s closest personal and political staff known as ?
The White House Office
Who leads the White House Office ?
The chief of staff
What is the Office of Management and Budget known for ?
It is the largest organization within the Executive Office of the President. It is known for its role in planning the the federal government’s annual budget.
What is the policy relating to financial affairs ?
The fiscal policy
What is the highest level advisory body that keeps the President informed on military and diplomatic issues of national security ?
The National Security Council this Council is advised by the National Security Advisor
Who is the head of the Executive branch?
The President
