Chapter 14 The Presidency Govt DQs

Briefly explain the purpose of each of the Amendments: 20. 22, 25.

20th- details federal terms of office to begin in January. 22nd- Establishes a 2 term limit for presidency. 25th- Establishes rules for when the president becomes disabled and he/she or another signals succession.

What does it mean to have a divided government? A unified government?

A divided government means that one party controls the white house and the other party controls both Houses of congress. Unified government is when the same party controls the white house and both houses of congress.

Explain the effect of the presidents' popularity on getting congressional support for programs.

A president's popularity is connected to the proportion of his legislative proposals that are approved by Congress. The more popular the president the more likely the courts will pas their bill.

What are the arguments for why we have gridlock?

One argument is divided government and unified government are myths. Even if both the white house and congress are controlled by the same party, it doesn't mean that they will see things the same way. Another point why we have gridlock is our president is weak. Gridlock is part of a representative government.

What are the three constraints on the president's ability to plan a program?

The 3 constraints are the limit of time and attention, unexpected crisis, and the federal government along with federal programs only change marginally unless in special circumstances.

How did the creation of the Electoral College allay the fears the Founders had about electing the president?

The Framers believed that each state would vote for a favorite son and then no candidate would win a majority. For this reason is was decided that they must have a house of representatives that would choose the President.

Explain the differences in the three audiences that the president speaks to.

The audience of Washington is of great importance in affecting how much defense the president's views receive, which leads to how much power is able to be wielded. The party activists and office holders want the president to exemplify their principles, trumpet their slogans, appeal to their fears and hopes and also help them get reelected. The public is many publics, each with different views and interests.

What are the Constitutional and practical limitations on a U.S. president?

The constitutional limits on the president are that he has to advise the senate to make treaties and appoint judges and ambassadors. Although the president is the commander of the army, he cannot declare war. The practical limits are that he must keep the public happy by doing what pleases them.

Describe the 3 differences between a president and prime minister.

The first difference between a president and prime minister is a president usually wins more so if he is an outsider rather than when he is not. This is because it shows voters the president is not a part of the mess in Washington. Prime ministers are already in parliament, so they are always insiders. The second difference is presidents choose cabinet members from outside Congress and the prime minister almost always chooses members already part of parliament. Lastly, prime ministers have a majority in parliament.

What are the 3 structures for a president to organize his staff? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?

The first is the pyramid structure which provides information and decisions. Another is the circular strucutre-gives the president information but can cause some confusion and conflict in the cabinet secretaries and assisting. Lastly, the ad hoc structure allows for flexibility, minimizes bureaucratic inertion and generates ideas and info from dispute. But it risks cutting the president off from government officials.

What four groups have input on a president's program?

The four groups that have input on the presidents' programs are interest groups, aides, campaign advisers, and federal bureaus and agencies, outside, academic and other specialists.

List the presidential powers found in Article 2 of the U.S. Constitution

The president has the power to veto or pass a bill. The president has the power to nominate judges and ambassadors. He/she is also the commander in chief of the armed forces and can fully execute executive orders.

What is the present line of succession if the president should die in office?

The president's line of succession if something were to happen to the president, is the speaker of the house and then the president pro tempore.

Why is there tension between the White House staff and cabinet secrataries?

The tension exists because often there is confusion and conflict between the two, which is because both cabinet secretaries and assistants report to the president.

Make a list of the ways that the Congress tried to limit the president's powers in the past 40 years.

The war powers resolution, impeachment of the president, taking the president to the supreme court like in Youngstown v. Sholt and Tube co. v. V. Sawyers, U.S. v. Nixon. And challenging the presidents' executive orders. These are the ways in which congress has tried to limit the president.

What is the role of political polls in decision-making?

What political polls show are the direction voters lean on by their votes.