Executive Branch Multiple Choice
All of the following have contributed to an increase in presidential power in the post-1945 era EXCEPT A tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War period B an increase in public expectations for services from the federal government C economic and domestic problems such as inflation, unemployment, and civil rights issues D increasing United States involvement in international affairs E legislation granting the President the power to impound funds appropriated by Congress
E
A policy that sets emission standards for automobiles is an example of A regulatory policy B judicial policy C fiscal policy D distributive policy E monetary policy
A
All of the following are formal or informal sources of presidential power EXCEPT A presidential authority to raise revenue B presidential access to the media C precedents set during previous administrations D public support E the Constitution
A
Executive agreements have been cited as evidence that A modern presidents often try to avoid legislative checks and balances on their authority B the executive branch has become too large and bureaucratic C presidents have less power in handling foreign policy than in handling domestic policy D interest groups have too much power in the contemporary governmental system E the courts have few means of limiting presidential power
A
In The Federalist 70, Alexander Hamilton states that "energy in the executive is a leading character in the definition of good government." In this statement, Hamilton is arguing in favor of the need for A a single executive who can respond quickly to crises B a president who has a good understanding of public policy C an electoral college in the selection of the president D a president who is youthful and assertive
A
In general, Congress is most likely to defer to the President A in the area of foreign policy B in the area of fiscal policy C in the area of social policy D late in the President's term E When the economy is strong
A
In recent presidential administrations, the principal staff for the President has been made up of members of the A White House Office B cabinet C Congress D national committee of the President's party E civil service
A
The expansion of the executive branch since 1939 has affected the separation of powers by A increasing presidential control over the legislative process B increasing the power of the media as a result of more frequent presidential press conferences C reducing the power of the Supreme Court through the use of executive orders D giving more power to interest groups than to parties E making senatorial approval of presidential appointees ceremonial
A
Which of the following best describes how a president can influence the data in the graphs? A Through the role of chief executive officer of the executive branch, the president can determine salary grades of federal employees. B The president has the power to formally introduce appropriations bills in the House of Representatives which can determine salary grades of federal employees. C The president as commander in chief can issue executive orders to modify the salary grades of federal employees. D The president has the authority to issue signing statements to determine the salary grades of federal employees.
A
Which of the following explains how the bureaucracy can address a problem shown in the infographic? A The Department of Transportation can write stronger regulations on freight volume. B The president can negotiate a treaty that would allow for increased imports of oil. C The House Committee on Energy and Commerce can hold a hearing on the cost of fuel. D The Supreme Court can overturn laws that regulate fuel economy.
A
Which of the following is a difference between the power of nineteenth-century presidents and that of the modern president according to the passage? A Presidents in the nineteenth century had to contend with congressional committees, which had significant powers in foreign affairs. B Modern presidents have acquired the power of the purse, which allows them to spend freely on foreign affairs. C Modern presidents must win wars in order to keep members of Congress from criticizing their foreign policy. D Presidents in the nineteenth century were more likely to support intervention in foreign affairs.
A
Which of the following is an action a president can take to rally public support for the administration's legislative agenda? A Use the State of the Union Address to pressure Congress to pass a bill lowering income taxes. B Hold private meetings with key members of Congress to promote a compromise on the budget. C Forge an executive agreement with another country regulating the safety of consumer products. D Sign a bill into law that would provide increased aid to college students.
A
Which of the following is an example of congressional oversight? A Holding hearings for review of an executive agency's activities B Assisting constituents with particular problems C Reporting campaign contributions to the Federal Election Commission D Signing trade agreements with other countries without input from the president E Conducting ethics investigations of congressional leadership
A
Which of the following is true based on the data in the line graph? A The number of bills passed by Congress decreased under G. H. W. Bush. B The number of bills passed by Congress gradually increased under Nixon. C The number of presidential vetoes under Johnson decreased over time. D The number of presidential vetoes under Eisenhower increased over time.
A
Which of the following is true of a presidential veto of a piece of legislation? A It is rarely overridden by Congress. B It is not binding unless supported by the cabinet. C It can only be sustained on revenue bills. D It is automatically reviewed by the United States Supreme Court. E It is subject to approval by a congressional committee.
A
Which of the following is true of an executive agreement made between a United States President and another head of state? A It does not require Senate approval, but may require congressional allocation of funds for implementation. B It does not require congressional funding because the President can use the power of the purse to raise implementation funds. C It has more legal force than a treaty. D It is binding on all succeeding Presidents and Congresses. E It has been used extensively to end armed conflicts.
A
Which of the following represents a reason that a president might use a signing statement to express displeasure with a bill as opposed to issuing a veto? A The president may have objections to provisions of a bill but does not want to risk Congress overriding a veto. B Congress has severely curtailed the power of the president to withhold funds for bills that have been adopted. C The Supreme Court is hesitant to acknowledge the president's power to veto legislation. D The president wants to ensure executive agencies do not spend the money appropriated by Congress.
A
Which of the following scenarios best illustrates delegated discretionary authority? A Congress giving the Environmental Protection Agency the power to establish national pollution standards B The chair of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce appointing the chair of the Environment subcommittee C The House of Representatives establishing the jurisdiction for the Committee on Energy and Commerce D The president nominating the attorney general of Ohio to serve as administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
A
Which of the following stages comes first in the policy-making process? A Agenda setting B Legitimation C Program evaluation D Policy formulation E Implementation
A
A newly elected president faces a Senate controlled by the opposition party. Which of the following presidential appointments is the most likely to encounter difficulty with confirmation by the Senate? A Secretary of defense B Supreme Court justice C Chair of the Council of Economic Advisors D Ambassador to Germany
B
Cabinet departments differ from independent regulatory agencies in which of the following ways? A The President can use an executive order to create a cabinet department but not to create an independent regulatory agency. B The President can dismiss cabinet officers, but not commissioners of independent regulatory agencies. C The President seeks appointees who reflect administration views in making cabinet appointments but not in making appointments to independent regulatory agencies. D Through the appropriations process, Congress can exert control over the cabinet departments but not over independent regulatory agencies. E The courts can overrule regulations issued by cabinet departments, but not those issued by independent regulatory agencies.
B
Even with large majorities of their own party in Congress, presidents experience difficulty in exercising legislative leadership because A the president must compete against state governors for influence B the weak nature of political parties hampers the president's ability to control Congress C the president's use of the veto is ineffective with Congress D individual members of Congress attract greater publicity when challenging the president E the president seldom addresses the same issues as members of Congress
B
In selecting members of the White House staff, Presidents primarily seek people who A give the White House ideological balance B are personally loyal to the President C have extensive governmental experience D will help the President develop a good working relationship with Congress E can bring a nonpartisan perspective to policy deliberations
B
One of the formal tools used by Congress for oversight of the bureaucracy is A the line-item veto B authorization of spending C impoundment bills D private bills E senatorial courtesy
B
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are examples of A cabinet departments B independent agencies C Executive Office bureaus D congressional committees E White House staff agencies
B
The president's role as chief diplomat is derived from A informal powers B delegated powers C concurrent powers D reserved powers E expressed powers
B
The primary function of the White House staff is to A initiate policy B advise the president C represent the bureaucratic agencies D provide information to the Office of Management and Budget E act as liaison with members of Congress
B
The role Congress plays in ensuring that executive branch agencies are carrying out their legislated responsibilities is known as A judicial review B legislative oversight C bicameralism D federalism E executive privilege
B
Which of the following best explains why cabinet secretaries might not aggressively pursue the president's policy agenda? A Cabinet secretaries are unlikely to be members of the president's party. B Cabinet secretaries may develop strong loyalty to their departments. C Cabinet secretaries are likely to compete with the president in a subsequent election. D Under the Hatch Act, cabinet secretaries are prohibited from campaigning on behalf of the president. E The Freedom of Information Act compels cabinet secretaries to divulge confidential information to the media.
B
Which of the following correctly identifies an implication of the line graph? A Presidents are far more likely to make changes to the bureaucracy at the end of a second term than at the beginning of a first term. B Congress is more likely to act on a president's policy proposal at the beginning of a first term than at the end of a second term. C The Supreme Court is more likely to rule on an important case at the beginning of a first term than at the end of a second term. D Presidents are more likely to send troops into conflict at the end of a second term than at the beginning of a first term.
B
Which of the following describes the president's Cabinet? A It consists of career civil servants with decades of experience in government service. B Its members have varying levels of influence on presidential decisions. C Its members hold office for fixed terms that coincide with the president's. D Its members must be selected from among current or former members of Congress. E Its members are required to approve presidential policy decisions.
B
Which of the following explains President Johnson's motivation for the speech in relation to his role as the head of the executive branch? A President Johnson believes that Congress will soon pass a bill on education reform, and he would like to be able to claim credit for it. B President Johnson is seeking to use the bully pulpit as a means of promoting his agenda on public education. C President Johnson is expecting the Supreme Court to soon rule on the constitutionality of a law passed by the previous administration. D President Johnson is issuing an executive order calling on local governments to increase training for teachers and address poverty among students.
B
Which of the following explains an action Congress can take that would have the most influence on the data on the graphs? A Members of Congress can increase congressional salaries, but only for the next Congress. B Congress can pass legislation that changes the federal salary structure. C Congress can cut funding for federal programs, which would lead to a decrease in salaries. D Congress can enforce a regulation that addresses wage increases.
B
Which of the following is NOT a presidential role authorized by the Constitution? A To be commander in chief of the armed forces B To lead the political party of the President C To negotiate treaties with foreign nations D To be chief executive E To present the State of the Union address
B
Which of the following is a member of the White House Staff? A The chair of the Federal Reserve Board B The national security advisor C The secretary of commerce D The ambassador to the United Nations E The attorney general
B
Which of the following is an accurate conclusion based on the pattern shown in the bar chart? A Changing national priorities have caused a drop in spending for the Department of Homeland Security. B Special circumstances in 2005 and 2018 led Congress to approve supplemental appropriations. C Bureaucratic rule making has led to a gradual increase in supplemental appropriations over time. D Ideological divisions in Congress have led to gradual increases in annual appropriations.
B
Which of the following is the best conclusion that can be drawn from the data in the table? A Support for the Vietnam War led Congress to hold more hearings to discuss increases in expenditures on the military effort. B Public concern over the Vietnam War led Congress to hold more hearings to consider using the power of the purse to influence the conduct of the war. C The public reaction to the September 11 terrorist attacks led to many hearings to limit federal expenditures to fight terrorism. D The number of hearings have increased in the House of Representatives because members have become more dependent on political action committees.
B
Which of the following scenarios best illustrates a formal check on the power of the bureaucracy? A A lobbyist representing the National Rifle Association refusing to meet with employees from the Department of Homeland Security B The secretary of defense being called to testify before a congressional committee C The White House chief of staff being formally censured by the president for publically speaking out against the president's policy goals D A federal judge being impeached for making legal decisions based on bribes
B
Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the process of bureaucratic rule making? A The Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs considers the credentials of a person nominated to serve as Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Benefits. B The Department of Veterans Affairs rewrites its regulations regarding compensation and pensions into plain language that is easier for beneficiaries to understand. C The president signs Executive Order 13777 intended to "lower regulatory burdens on the American people by implementing and enforcing regulatory reform." D The Supreme Court denies a writ of certiorari in Freddie H. Mathis v David J. Shulkin, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, which focused on veterans' disability claims.
B
Which of the following scenarios illustrates how social media has changed the way presidents relate to the public? A A president appearing on a late-night comedy talk show to make jokes about the news B A president announcing a major policy initiative via the Internet rather than calling a press conference C A president allowing film crews to cover a visit to a natural disaster area to highlight federal aid distribution D A president hosting a rally in a swing state to increase support for policies helping the working class
B
Which of the following statements best relates to the information shown in the infographic? A Despite many attempts at reform, some members of the federal bureaucracy are still hired through political patronage. B Like most businesses, the federal government has to seek out well-qualified and diverse job candidates. C Specialized skills, such as a background in STEM, are less important than a degree in political science for most jobs in the bureaucracy. D Most members of the federal bureaucracy work near Washington, D.C., or in state capitals.
B
Which of the following statements describes the author's main argument in the passage? A Congress must reassert its responsibility to declare war in order to ensure a balance of power. B Presidential power in foreign policy has expanded since the beginning of the twentieth century. C The Korean War was a turning point in presidential power. D The acquisition of the Panama Canal gave the president undisputed power over foreign policy.
B
Which of the following statements is best supported by the line graph? A The number of vetoes has generally increased since 1945, even though the number of bills passed by Congress has decreased. B The number of vetoes has generally decreased since 1945, but so has the number of bills passed by Congress. C The number of vetoes has generally decreased since 1945, but the number of bills passed by Congress has increased. D The number of vetoes has generally increased since 1945, but so has the number of bills passed by Congress.
B
Which of the following statements is most accurately supported by the data in the table? A President Clinton greatly reduced the use of presidential signing statements compared with his predecessors. B While President George W. Bush issued fewer signing statements than President Clinton, his included more objections than President Clinton's. C President Clinton's brief access to the power of the line-item veto allowed him to issue fewer signing statements that raised concerns about legislation. D President George W. Bush was forced to issue more signing statements as a direct result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
B
Which of the following statements reflects a pattern in the line graph? A Nixon had the highest approval ratings of any president in the graph. B Most presidents exit office with lower approval ratings than when they entered office. C Most presidents begin their term with approval ratings lower than 50%. D Eisenhower had the lowest approval ratings of any president in the graph.
B
A President attempting to influence Congress to pass a legislative program might employ all of the following strategies EXCEPT A using the media to draw attention to the legislative program B assigning legislative liaisons in the Executive Office of the President to lobby legislators C denying campaign reelection funds to legislators who oppose the President's policy stand D exploiting a partisan majority for the President's party in both the House and Senate E reminding legislators of high popularity ratings for the President in public opinion polls
C
All of the following help to explain the President's difficulty in controlling cabinet-level agencies EXCEPT. A Agencies often have political support from interest groups B Agency staff often have information and technical expertise that the President and presidential advisers lack C The President can only fire appointees before they have been confirmed by the Senate D Civil servants who remain in their jobs through changes of administration develop loyalties to their agencies E Congress is a competitor for influence over the bureaucracy
C
Congress has exerted the greats influence on the operation of a federal agency by doing which of the following? A Requiring the agency to participate in interagency task forces B Dismissing an agency head who disagrees with congressional priorities C Reviewing the annual budget appropriations for the agency D Passing "sunset" legislation that terminates programs after a certain period E Asking the Supreme Court for advisory opinions on agency regulations
C
Congressional oversight refers to the power of Congress to A override presidential vetoes B hold public hearings before confirming judicial appointees C exercise some control over executive agencies D allow nongovernmental agencies to defend or refute pending legislation publicly E seek judicial opinion on the constitutionality of pending legislation
C
Since the 1970's, Presidents have made use of executive orders at an increasing rate because executive orders A are noncontroversial measures that can be easily implemented B are rarely defeated in Congress C do not need to be passed by Congress D avoid judicial review E must be ratified by the Senate rather than by the House
C
The President's veto power is accurately described by which of the following statements? A President sometimes threatens to veto a bill that is under discussion in order to influence congressional decision-making. A President typically vetoes about a third of the bills passed by Congress. Congress is usually unable to override a President's veto. A I only B III only C I and III only D II and III only E I, II, and III
C
The Senate must confirm all of the following presidential appointments EXCEPT A United States attorneys B United States Supreme Court justices C White House staff D heads of executive agencies E federal judges
C
The United States Fish and Wildlife Service will spend money appropriated by Congress to maintain wildlife refuges. This action is an example of A the power of the filibuster B congressional oversight of the bureaucracy C bureaucratic implementation of law D an unfunded mandate E an independent expenditure
C
The constitutional powers of the president include all of the following EXCEPT A acting as head of military B vetoing legislation C declaring war D granting pardons E appointing ambassadors
C
The mission of the Department of Transportation is to ensure the safety and efficiency of the transportation system. The Department of Transportation has accepted public comments regarding the safety of automated vehicles in the United States in order to establish standards and guidelines for this new technology. Which of the following concepts is most related to the scenario? A Exclusive powers B Reserved powers C Delegated discretionary authority D Enumerated legislative authority
C
Which of the following accurately compares the formal and informal powers of the president?
C
Which of the following best illustrates the point being made in the cartoon above? A The influence of presidents on the Supreme Court is limited because the Senate often rejects their nominees. B The terms of Supreme Court justices should be reduced from their current forty years. C Presidents can have an influence on public policy far beyond their terms of office. D The opinions of Supreme Court justices remain very similar over long periods of time. E Supreme Court justices seldom issue dissenting opinions.
C
Which of the following explains how Congress would most likely respond if it were concerned about the slight increase in spending over time, as indicated by the bar chart? A Congress could vote to remove the secretary of Homeland Security. B Congress could hold a special joint session to discuss potential solutions. C Congress could vote to reduce spending on the Department of Homeland Security in the next year's budget. D Congress could pass a constitutional amendment limiting appropriations.
C
Which of the following explains why the author believes presidential power has expanded? A Congress has passed legislation requesting that the president take on a stronger leadership role in foreign affairs. B The media has influenced public opinion to support the president's unrestrained control of foreign policy. C The United States has emerged as a global power, which has enhanced the power of the president in foreign affairs. D The chief executive's role as defender of freedom and democracy has promoted support for a more active presidency.
C
Which of the following is an example of presidential use of informal powers? A President Ronald Reagan nominating Sandra Day O'Connor to the United States Supreme Court B President John F. Kennedy negotiating the Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty with the Soviet Union C President Bill Clinton advocating for public policy reform on his Health Security Express bus D President George W. Bush deploying United States troops to Iraq E President Barack Obama delivering the State of the Union address to Congress
C
Which of the following is articulated in the War Powers Resolution? A The President may declare war. B The President must finance any war efforts from a special contingency fund. C The President must bring troops home from hostilities within 60 to 90 days unless Congress extends the time. D The President may not nationalize state militias without congressional consent. E The President may not send troops into hostilities without a declaration of war from Congress or a resolution from the United Nations.
C
Which of the following is likely to occur as a result of new legislation regarding automobile safety? A The Supreme Court will be asked to review the legislation annually. B States will be empowered to begin automobile manufacturing. C The Department of Transportation will be given discretionary authority to create auto regulations. D Mandatory spending will be required in all future federal budgeting for the program.
C
Which of the following is most likely an effect of the trend in the line graph? A An increase in accountability of the bureaucracy B A decrease in the length of regulatory bills passed by Congress C A decrease in congressional oversight as a mechanism to control the bureaucracy D An increase in the authority of the House of Representatives over the bureaucracy
C
Which of the following is the primary reason for the tensions that exist between the legislative and executive branches of the federal government? A Each branch sets and approves the other's budget. B The branches are staffed with many of the same people. C The branches have different constituencies with different interests. D The branches are responsible for the selection of Cabinet-level officials. E Each branch has the constitutional power to levy taxes.
C
Which of the following is true about the pocket veto? A It is used to strike down a provision of a bill that the President finds disagreeable. B It may be overridden by a two-thirds vote in Congress. C It occurs when the President takes no action on a bill for ten days during which Congress is adjourned. D It is used when the President expects to reach a compromise with Congress about how a bill should be modified. E It is used when both houses of Congress pass separate versions of the same bill.
C
Which of the following is true of the relationship between Congress and executive agencies? A The agencies were created by and work under the direction of Congress. B Agencies, once created, work totally independent of Congress. C Because the agencies have bureaucratic expertise, Congress delegates "rule-making authority" to them. D Because of differing objectives, their relationships are always adversarial. E Congress creates, staffs, and supervises all executive agencies.
C
Which of the following trends is best supported by the information in the table? A The number of treaties has increased over time. B The number of treaties has decreased over time. C The number of executive agreements has increased over time. D The number of executive agreements has decreased over time.
C
All of the following are true about the relationship between regulatory agencies and the industries they regulate EXCEPT: A Agency employees are often recruited from the regulated industry. B Agencies often rely on support from regulated industries in making budget requests before Congress. C An agency's relationship with a regulated industry may change when a new president takes office. D Agencies usually make decisions without consulting the regulated industry. E Agency employees often are employed by the regulated industry once they leave the agency.
D
All of the following statements pertaining to the presidential veto are true EXCEPT: A Congress overrides fewer than ten percent of presidential vetoes. B A vetoed bill is often revised and passed in another form. C Presidents often threaten to veto bills to increase their leverage with Congress. D A President may veto part of a bill. E Congress often places provisions the President wants into a bill the President dislikes to make a veto less likely.
D
An advantage that bureaucrats in federal government have over the President in the policymaking process is that bureaucrats A control the budgetary process B have an independence from the President that is guaranteed by the Constitution C find it easier to marshall public support than does the President D usually have a continuity of service in the executive branch that the President lacks E have better access to the media than does the President
D
Cabinet members often do not have a dominant influence on presidential decision-making because A cabinet members generally maintain close independent ties to Congress B cabinet members generally view their position only as a stepping-stone to further their own political ambitions C cabinet members are not permitted to disagree publicly with the President D presidential goals often conflict with the institutional goals of individual cabinet-level agencies E only half of all cabinet members can be members of the President's party
D
Congress is most likely to exert oversight of the executive bureaucracy in which of the following ways? A Directly selecting the head of an executive agency B Impeaching the head of an executive agency C Using the Court to block implementation of proposed regulations D Controlling an executive agency's annual budget E Changing the term length of heads of independent regulatory commissions
D
In November 2014, President Obama announced an expansion of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program through an executive order. The policy would protect over 700,000 more children of undocumented immigrants from deportation. Republican members of Congress denounced the order as an abuse of executive power. Previously, members of the House of Representatives had voted to defund the program. This scenario best illustrates which of the following? A A reluctant bureaucracy can hinder a president's agenda. B Public opinion can influence how Congress responds to a president. C Iron triangles form between members of the president's party and opponents in Congress. D Presidents exert informal powers when their policy agenda conflicts with that of Congress.
D
In general, independent regulatory commissions are created primarily for the purpose of A supporting and helping cabinet-level departments B proposing policy alternatives during periods of crisis C regulating the activities of other bureaucratic agencies to ensure that they act in a fair and objective manner D regulating certain industries to protect the public interest E increasing the President's patronage powers
D
In the process and structure of public policymaking, "iron triangles" refer to the A bargaining and negotiating process between the President and Congress about the direction of domestic policy B dominance of corporate power in setting the national policy agenda for economic expansion C interrelationship among federal, state, and local levels of government in the policy process D networks of congressional committees, bureaucratic agencies, and interest groups that strongly influence the policy process E group of presidential advisers who formulate the President's foreign policy agenda
D
In vetoing a bill, the President does which of the following? A Rejects only a part of the bill without rejecting it entirely. B Prevents any further action on the bill. C Sends the bill back to conference committee. D Rejects all sections of the bill. E Decides the bill's constitutionality.
D
Senate confirmation is required for which of the following presidential appointments? Secretary of state White House chief of staff Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Attorney general A I only B II and III only C II and IV only D I, III, and IV only E I, II, III, and IV
D
Shortly after the 2008 election, President Obama appointed outspoken and controversial House member Rahm Emanuel to lead his White House as chief of staff. The selection drew criticism from Republican leaders, including House minority leader John Boehner, who remarked that the selection "is an ironic choice for a president-elect who has promised to change Washington, make politics more civil, and govern from the center." Which of the following explains how Congress could legitimately respond to the appointment? A The Senate could refuse to confirm the appointment. B The House of Representatives could filibuster the nomination. C The Rules Committee could refuse to release the bill that made the appointment. D Members of Congress could issue statements opposing the appointment but have no formal power to block it.
D
The President can do which of the following without seeking the consent of either the House or the Senate? A Ratify a treaty. B Appoint ambassadors. C Appoint district court judges. D Deploy troops. E Declare war.
D
The War Powers Resolution (1973) was designed to A allow the Joint Chiefs of Staff to advise the President during periods of conflict B allow Congress to suspend certain civil liberties during times of war C require a congressional declaration of war before allowing military forces to be used overseas D assure congressional involvement in decisions committing military forces in hostile situations overseas E ensure funding for military operations lasting more than 60 days
D
The primary purpose of the North American Free Trade Agreement is to A strengthen the mutual defense agreements between the countries of western Europe B set up a mutual defense agreement between the United States, Mexico, and Canada C encourage trade between the United States and the countries of western Europe D reduce trade barriers between the United States, Mexico, and Canada E set up a system whereby the countries that were formerly part of the Soviet Bloc could be admitted to North Atlantic Treaty Organization
D
The usefulness to the President of having cabinet members as political advisers is undermined by the fact that A the President has little latitude in choosing cabinet members B cabinet members have no political support independent of the President C cabinet members are usually drawn from Congress and retain loyalties to Congress D the loyalties of cabinet members are often divided between loyalty to the President and loyalty to their own executive departments E the cabinet operates as a collective unit and individual members have no access to the President
D
When independent regulatory agencies make rules, enforce those rules, and adjudicate disputes arising under those rules, they risk violating the constitutional concept of A equal protection of the laws B due process of law C federal supremacy D separation of powers E federalism
D
Which of the following is an accurate statement about committees in Congress? A The work of a committee ends when it submits a bill to the full House or Senate for consideration. B An individual representative or senator can serve on only one committee and one subcommittee. C Membership on key committees such as House Rules and Senate Finance is limited to fixed terms. D Standing committees oversee the bureaucracy's implementation of legislation. E Committee recommendations tend to have little influence on floor voting.
D
Which of the following is an example of how the innovation of social media can influence presidential behavior? A The president holds a press conference to discuss midterm election results. B The president outlines the administration's legislative agenda in the State of the Union Address. C The president hosts a White House dinner with a foreign head of state. D The president announces the nomination of a cabinet secretary on the Internet.
D
Which of the following possible actions illustrates a way Congress interacts with the bureaucracy to address the problem shown in the infographic? A Congress could raise money through gasoline taxes to address the issues shown in the infographic. B Congress could request that an iron triangle be formed to ensure that all bureaucratic solutions are heard prior to taking action. C Congress could remove the members of the cabinet who work on issues related to transportation. D Congress could have members of the Department of Transportation testify before a committee to discuss the issue and potential solutions.
D
Which of the following statements about trends in presidential approval ratings is supported by information presented in the graph above? A President Reagan was the most popular President since 1953. B There is little relationship between military conflicts and presidential approval ratings. C Presidents have tended to become more popular over time. D A President's popularity tends to fall during his term in office. E President Carter suffered the largest drop in popularity of any President since 1953.
D
A President may persuade recalcitrant members of Congress to vote for a particular bill by A having members who oppose the bill transferred to unpopular committees B denying campaign funds to members who oppose the bill C threatening to deny renomination to members who oppose the bill D threatening to item veto part of a different bill that enjoys bipartisan support in Congress E making a direct appeal to the public through mass media
E
A fundamental source of power for the federal bureaucracy lies in its A role in moving legislation out of subcommittees B role in mediating interstate conflicts C ability to convince Congress to fund most projects it supports D ability to mobilize public opinion in support of legislative initiatives E ability to set specific guidelines after receiving a general mandate from Congress
E
All of the following make it difficult for presidents to control the actions of federal agencies EXCEPT A the civil service system B issue networks (iron triangles) C bureaucratic inertia D bureaucratic noncompliance E the appointment of cabinet heads
E
All of the following powers are granted to the President by the Constitution EXCEPT A commissioning officers in the armed forces B addressing the Congress on the state of the union C receiving ambassadors D granting pardons for federal offenses E forming new cabinet-level departments
E
Congress adopted the War Powers Resolution to A give the president additional powers in case of military emergencies B delineate a clear chain of command in the event of nuclear war C criticize the president for declaring war without authorization from Congress D enable the president to commit troops to United Nations peacekeeping forces E limit the president's authority to commit troops overseas
E
Generally, when is a president more likely to get congressional approval of proposed policies? A After midterm congressional elections B In the second term rather than in the first C When public opinion is sharply divided over policies D In social policy areas rather than in economic policy areas E In foreign affairs rather than in domestic affairs
E
If Congress adjourns during the ten days the president has to consider a bill passed by both houses of Congress, but which the president has not yet signed, what is the result? A Line-item veto B Legislative veto C Executive veto D Judicial review E Pocket veto
E
In trying to influence legislation, the President is generally more successful than congressional leaders in A using the legislative schedule to political advantage B enforcing party discipline C satisfying interest group demands for access to the policy process D effectively using formal parliamentary powers rather than persuasion E using the media to set the policy agenda
E
In which of the following scenarios would a presidential veto most likely be upheld? A The President has the support of the Supreme Court. B The President is in a second term, removed from partisan politics. C The proposed legislation enjoys widespread bipartisan support. D The proposed legislation was originally adopted by a large majority in both houses of Congress. E Two-thirds of the representatives and senators are members of the same party as the President.
E
Rules and regulations created by an agency such as the Federal Communications Commission are called A constitutional law B statutory law C common law D equity law E administrative law
E
Which of the following is responsible for the preparation of executive spending proposals submitted to Congress? A Treasury Department B Council of Economic Advisors C Federal Trade Commission D Department of Commerce E Office of Management and Budget
E
Which of the following is the best predictor of the Department of Education's annual budget? A The preferences of the Chair of the Senate Finance Committee B The budget recommendations of the National Education Association C The rate of increase of teachers' salaries D The number of children entering kindergarten E The size of the previous year's budget
E
Which of the following is true of independent regulatory agencies? A They tend to have larger budgets than cabinet departments. B They are directly supervised by cabinet departments. C They provide a product or service directly to the public. D They are insulated from contact with interest groups. E They tend to be freer from presidential control than are cabinet departments.
E
Which of the following statements is supported by the chart above? A Both Republican Presidents nominated a greater proportion of Latinos to the judiciary than did either Democratic President. B President Carter made more judicial nominations than President Reagan. C The percentage of nominees to the judiciary who were minorities was higher for Republican Presidents than for Democratic Presidents. D The percentage of nominees to the judiciary who were women was higher for Republican Presidents than for Democratic Presidents. E President Reagan nominated the smallest percentage of women to the judiciary.
E
