Unit 2: the presidency

Question 1

Constitutional Requirements for becoming President (3)

Answer 1

born in U.S.
35 yrs. old
at least 14 years in U.S. ( doesn’t need to be consecutive)

Question 2

Lame Duck President: means?
starts?

Answer 2

outgoing pres. can’t get things done
period begins after nation has elected a new pres. and before exit of old one

Question 3

Why do we need to know who would replace POTUS?

Answer 3

provides security for people
safety reasons (won’t attack if they know someone is in power)

Question 4

POTUS as Chief Legislator
powers of persuasion (2) def./ how they do it?
veto
pocket veto
Line-item veto

Answer 4

pres. recommend laws in speeches (aka State of Union address)
push Congress to pass their proposals by meeting w/ mems. to discuss bills/compromises
presidential power to reject a bill from congress
pres. receives a bill does nothing in final 10 days of congressional session (bill dies)
pres. eliminates specific lines of bill (unconstitutional)

Question 5

POTUS as Chief Executive
Executive Order
Signing statement (what type of power?) (pres. does 2)

Answer 5

presidential directive allowing president to carry out laws (challenged by the Supreme Court only)
(informal power) pres. explains interpretation of a bill, their understanding of what is expected of them to carry it out

Question 6

POTUS as Commander in Chief
War Powers Act (1973) passed under? when?
3 steps:

Answer 6

Nixon
Post Vietnam War

pres. sends troops 48 hrs. b4 telling Congress
Congress votes on military action w/in 60 days
If Congress says no, mandatory withdrawal of troops

Question 7

POTUS as Chief Legislator
Treaty (3)
Executive Agreement (3)
what type of power?

Answer 7

formal power
formal agreement b/w multiple gov’ts/int. organizations
one party violates treaty (legally at fault)
requires ⅔ senate vote

informal power
contract b/w pres. and head of foreign gov’t
NOT binding as long as each party involved carries out contract
doesn’t require senate vote

Question 8

How does the president implement a policy agenda? (2) explain.

Answer 8

through Power of Persuasion and Executive Orders
use public influence and make decisions w/o congress consent

Question 9

How can the president’s agenda create tension and/or conflict with Congress?
ex?

Answer 9

both have their own agenda, competing to input their ideas first
ex) war powers act

Question 10

What is an executive order? Is this an action that gives the president too much power? How could it? (2)

Answer 10

president declares a law without talking to Congress.
yes only 1 check (scouts)
not perfectly fair since chosen by pres.
no limits on exec. orders