Unit 3

Question 1

Primary Diplomatic Power of the President

Answer 1

The president has the power to negotiate treaties and recognize foreign governments, subject to Senate approval.

Question 2

Role of the Commander-in-Chief

Answer 2

The president is the head of the U.S. armed forces, responsible for military decisions and operations.

Question 3

The War Powers Resolution (1973)

Answer 3

Limits the president’s ability to send U.S. troops into combat without Congress’s approval; requires notification within 48 hours and limits engagements to 60 days without further authorization.

Question 4

Executive Branch Bureaucracy

Answer 4

The complex system of agencies and departments under the executive branch responsible for enforcing laws and administering policies.

Question 5

EOP (Executive Office of the President)

Answer 5

A group of offices and agencies that directly support the president in implementing policies and managing the federal government.

Question 6

The Chief of Staff

Answer 6

The president’s top advisor and manager of the White House staff, coordinating day-to-day operations.

Question 7

Whig Theory

Answer 7

A view of presidential power that holds the presidency is a limited or restrained office, confined to exercising only the powers explicitly granted by the Constitution.

Question 8

Stewardship Theory

Answer 8

A theory of presidential power suggesting the president should act in the nation’s best interest, with broad authority unless explicitly restricted by law.

Question 9

Executive Order

Answer 9

Directives issued by the president to federal agencies, which have the force of law

Question 10

Executive Privilege

Answer 10

The president’s power to withhold information from Congress, the courts, or the public, particularly in matters of national security.

Question 11

Pocket Veto

Answer 11

A type of veto where the president takes no action on a bill for 10 days while Congress is adjourned, effectively preventing it from becoming law.

Question 12

The State of the Union Address

Answer 12

An annual speech delivered by the president to Congress, outlining the administration’s agenda and priorities.

Question 13

Signing Statement

Answer 13

A written pronouncement issued by the president upon signing a bill into law, often reflecting the president’s interpretation or concerns about the legislation.

Question 14

Reason for Expansion of Presidential Power

Answer 14

Historical events like wars, economic crises, and national emergencies have often led to the expansion of presidential authority.

Question 15

Power Requiring Senate Confirmation

Answer 15

The president’s appointments to federal judgeships, cabinet positions, and ambassadors require Senate approval.

Question 16

Supreme Court Case for Executive Privilege

Answer 16

United States v. Nixon (1974), which limited executive privilege in cases of criminal investigation.

Question 17

National Security Council (NSC)

Answer 17

A presidential advisory body for national security and foreign policy matters, including military, intelligence, and diplomatic considerations.

Question 18

Cabinet Membership

Answer 18

Composed of the heads of the executive departments and key advisors appointed by the president.

Question 19

Main Cabinet Members

Answer 19

Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, Attorney General, Secretary of the Treasury.

Question 20

Appointment Power

Answer 20

The president’s power to appoint federal officials, judges, ambassadors, and top members of the executive departments, often subject to Senate confirmation.

Question 21

Role of the Secretary of State

Answer 21

The chief foreign affairs advisor to the president, responsible for international relations and representing the U.S. abroad.

Question 22

Veto Power

Answer 22

The president’s authority to reject bills passed by Congress, which can only be overridden by a two-thirds majority in both houses.

Question 23

Bureaucracy

Answer 23

A large, complex organization that operates under a set of established rules and procedures.

Question 24

EOP Structure

Answer 24

Includes the White House Office, National Security Council, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and other advisory bodies.

Question 25

Cabinet’s Role

Answer 25

Advises the president and heads the various executive departments, implementing federal policies.

Question 26

Electors Selection

Answer 26

Chosen by each state, typically reflecting the popular vote within the state, to participate in the Electoral College.

Question 27

Independent Executive Agencies

Answer 27

Agencies outside the executive departments that have specific functions, like NASA or the CIA.

Question 28

Independent Regulatory Commissions Purpose

Answer 28

To regulate specific sectors of the economy and enforce rules without direct political pressure, e.g., the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Question 29

Attorney General

Answer 29

The head of the U.S. Department of Justice and the chief law enforcement officer of the federal government.

Question 30

NSC Membership

Answer 30

Typically includes the President, Vice President, Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, and National Security Advisor.

Question 31

Bureaucrats

Answer 31

Civil servants and officials who work in government agencies, responsible for implementing laws and policies.

Question 32

Examples of an Executive Department

Answer 32

Department of Defense, Department of Education, Department of Homeland Security.

Question 33

Current Commander-in-Chief

Answer 33

The sitting U.S. president, as of 2024, Joe Biden.

Question 34

Electoral Votes Needed for Election

Answer 34

A candidate needs at least 270 electoral votes to win the U.S. presidential election.

Question 35

Winner-Take-All State

Answer 35

A state where the candidate who wins the majority of the popular vote receives all the state’s electoral votes.

Question 36

This Year’s Presidential Election Date

Answer 36

November 5, 2024

Question 37

Current Presidential Candidates

Answer 37

As of 2024, the leading candidates are Kamala Harris (Democrat) and Donald Trump (Republican, winner).