PoliSci4150 Exam 1
11. List two of the many charges made against King George III in the Declaration of Independence
One charge made against King George III was that "He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures." Another charge made against him was that "He has his Assent to the Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good."
13. According to the textbook, Truman was able to claim several successes in his presidency, despite the fact that he never shattered his stalemate with Congress. List two of these successes.
One of the successes Truman claimed in his presidency was that his social security, minimum wage and public housing proposals were enacted during the Eighty-First Congress. Another success he claimed was that the Truman Administration succeeded at assembling a bipartisan congressional coalition to support Truman's policy toward the Soviet Union.
2. Which state's constitution served as a major influence for the design of the presidency?
Pennsylvania's constitution served as a major influence for the design of the presidency.
5. In no more than three sentences, explain Neustadt's theory of the presidency.
Persuasion was the most important power the presidents had. He believes that the American government involves separate institutions that share power. The president needs to bargain or persuade other politicians to get things done.
3. According to the textbook, "One of Polk's major achievements was to coordinate the budget." In a sentence or two, explain this statement.
Polk had no choice but to tighten fiscal control because of the Mexican-American war and he succeeded. This was impressive because the government was operating under the Walker Tariff, which caused reduced revenues.
What is prerogative power, and how have the courts and Congress dealt with it throughout our history?
Prerogative power is the power of the executive to act with discretion for the public good without sanction of law and potentially if the action is against the law. The courts have tended to be more accepting of the use of prerogative power during times of crisis. In general, Congress has failed to stand up to presidents' use of prerogative power and, as a consequence, has allowed presidents to greatly expand their power.
10. According to the textbook, what "Jacksonian principles" made it difficult for Martin Van Buren to respond to the Panic of 1837?
The "Jacksonian principles" that made it difficult for Martin Van Buren to respond to the Panic of 1837 was that there couldn't be any government-sponsored solutions to the economic crisis. The president denied any proposal to revive the national bank that came his way. He also denied the idea for paper currency provided by the Treasury to make domestic commerce flow more smoothly.
7. Briefly describe three executive orders Truman used (prerogative power) to try to reduce racial segregation.
The first executive order Truman used was Executive Order 9808. Which established the President's Commission on Civil Rights. This commission investigated civil rights issues in the United States. The second executive order was Executive Order 9980, which banned racial discrimination in federal hiring and promotion practices. It also established the Federal Employment Board. The third executive order was Executive Order 9981, which established equality of treatment and opportunity in the military. It also established the President's Committee on Equality of Treatment and Opportunity.
9. Briefly explain the important set of guidelines that came out of the concurring opinion in the case Youngstown Sheet and Tube Co. v. Sawyer.
The first guideline that came out of this case was that authority is at maximum when the president acts in accordance with the expressed or implied authorization of Congress. The president "personifies" federal power. The second guideline is that authority is uncertain when the president acts in the absence of Congress. The commentary describes it as the "zone of twilight," and it explains the president's ability to act when Congress is quiet. The third guideline is that authority is weakest when the president ignores the expressed of implied powers of Congress.
1. According to the commentary, what were the major policies James K. Polk pursued, in order, as president?
The first major policy James K. Polk pursued as president was to reduce tariffs for the southern wing of the party. The second major policy was to establish an independent treasury for Van Buren's part of the party. The third major policy was to resolve the Oregon boundary dispute. The fourth major policy was to pursue territorial expansion. Lastly, the fifth major policy was to keep the party together by being as neutral as possible.
12. In the commentary, two reasons are cited as explanations for the importance of the Monroe Doctrine. What are these two reasons?
The first reason used to explain the importance of the Monroe Doctrine was that it was the first use of American power without the authority of Congress. The second reason used to explain the importance of the Monroe Doctrine was that it prevented European powers from colonizing North and South America.
12. According to the textbook, what is the lesson many Americans learned from their experience with the British and colonial governments?
The lesson that many Americans learned from their experience was that "liberty is threatened by executive power and safeguarded by legislative power."
14. According to the textbook, what was the most important decision made by the Committee of Detail?
The most important decision made by the Committee of Detail was to change "general grants of power for each branch into specific ones."
The lesson that many Americans learned from their experience was that "liberty is threatened by executive power and safeguarded by legislative power."
The one thing that saved the nation from insolvency was the creation of paper money that people could use to pay their debts.
According to Neustadt, the president's power comes from the ability to do what? What are the sources of that ability?
The president's power comes from the ability to bargain. The sources of that ability are bargaining advantages, the expectations of others that the president will use those advantages, estimates of how the public views the president, and how the public would view him/her if he/she does (or does not do) what it wants.
What is the presidential imperative?
The presidential imperative is to cultivate public support.
2. In no more than three sentences, describe Theodore Roosevelt's view of presidential power.
Theodore Roosevelt's view of presidential power was that the president had the right and duty to do anything that was for the needs of the nation unless it went against the Constitution or any law. President Roosevelt believed the presidency deserved expanded power.
Why did the Articles of Confederation not have an executive branch, and why did people quickly begin to believe that an executive branch was necessary?
They did not include an executive branch because there was a fear of executive power. However, people quickly began to see that a government without an executive branch was a government that did not function well, so the framers of the Constitution argued it was necessary.
What are three criteria we can use to measure presidential performance?
effectiveness, democratic morality, political stability
Why did Hamilton feel it was necessary to protect the president from Congress, and what devices were included in the Constitution to do so?
Hamilton felt Congress would naturally try to take away presidential power. The devices included in the Constitution to protect the president were the veto and the protection of presidential salary.
11. According to the textbook, Lincoln's plea for a new and explicit connection between the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution made a struggle over _____________ inevitable.
It made a struggle over "the existence of slavery all but" inevitable.
How did Jackson's use of the veto redefine the presidency?
Jackson was the first president to use the veto to block legislation he disagreed with for policy reasons. Previously, it was only used to void unconstitutional legislation. In using it the way he did, Jackson established the idea that the president is a representative of the people and has the right and responsibility to advocate a policy agenda.
9. According to the textbook, James Wilson thought that a unitary executive would be a source of __________ and _____________ in the new government
James Wilson thought that a unitary executive would be a source of "energy" and "dispatch" in the new government.
2. What was ironic about Jefferson's presidency?
Jefferson thought Washington and Adams had an excess of power as presidents, so he worked to relieve that, but in doing so, he introduced an informal power that made the president the leader his party in Congress.
3. What was Jefferson's "party approach"?
Jefferson's "party approach" was that he was pretty much an organizing force for his party members in Congress.
Why is Lincoln's presidency the model for a crisis presidency?
No president before him faced as great a crisis to the future of the country as Lincoln, and he used prerogative power to address it. Both scholars and the public consistently rank Lincoln as our best president for his achievements in a time of crisis. He is seen as a good person who didn't show weakness under pressure.
What two decisions by the Supreme Court approved of the president's use of prerogative power and set worrisome precedents for civil liberties? Explain why they are worrisome.
Ex Parte Quirin (1942): In this case, the court upheld the president's use of secret military tribunals to try Germans captured in the United States and accused of espionage. In Ex Parte Milligan, the court found Milligan should have gotten a trial in a civilian court. The difference in this case from Milligan, according to the court, was that Milligan was not part of the enemy military, whereas the captured Germans were. The majority also elaborated that times had changed and that advanced technology made possible acts of sabotage potentially quite severe, thus necessitating the strongest possible measures on the part of government for the prevention of such acts. The decision set a precedent that has become relevant in recent years in the cases of detainees held under President George W. Bush's orders in connection with the "War on Terror." Korematsu v. United States (1944) dealt with the forced internment of persons of Japanese ancestry. The court upheld the president's order. In its majority opinion, the court asked the following question: Why do national security concerns trump inalienable civil rights? They rejected the notion that it was due to racial antagonism and argued that the real cause was "pressing public necessity." When reading the opinion, one should note the language used: "gravest imminent danger," "menace to the national defense and safety," "deemed necessary," and "military imperative." In other words, modern warfare posed threats that older technology did not, so presidential authority to ensure security needed to be greater. The dissenting opinion contained some important points. First, it demonstrated that ethnicity was important in the policy because Germans and Italians were not interred. Second, it acknowledged the power of the military in emergencies, but it expressed concern about the court's sanctioning of this action. The opinion also expressed concern about the precedent it set for possible future actions and the court's inability to resist that power if "irresponsible and unscrupulous hands" have it.
10. What are executive orders? What was significant about the way Teddy Roosevelt used them?
Executive orders is similar to a law, but it is an order from a president for an agency within the executive branch to do something. What was significant about the way Teddy Roosevelt used them was that he wanted to eliminate the influence of patronage. He used executive orders to expand the civil service.
2. What is Manifest Destiny?
The Manifest Destiny is the belief that it is America's objective to spread its form of democracy as far as possible
According to the textbook, how did the Roosevelt Corollary alter the Monroe Doctrine?
The Roosevelt Corollary altered the Monroe Doctrine by sanctioning U.S. intervention in Latin American affairs.
1. Define "democratization of the presidency."
"Democratization of the presidency" means to move towards the interests of ordinary people and just towards ordinary people in general to ask for their support. That's how the president is strengthened. It's with their support
12. According to the textbook, what was entailed in the creation of the welfare state?
A massive transfer of people in need from the state and private sector to the national government is what was entailed in the creation of the welfare state. It gave the president new responsibilities
What are the components of Washington's enduring legacy for the presidency?
A president should be a leader who is seen as having exceptional character; a president should have a record of success; a president should be willing to use power; a president should not shy away from partisanship.
What did Madison argue was necessary in order to keep the branches of government from encroaching on each other? Give some examples of how Madison's solution was included in the Constitution.
A system of checks and balances: For example, the president can veto legislation, Congress can impeach the president, and the courts can find the actions of either the president or Congress unconstitutional.
13. How did Andrew Jackson use the veto that made him unique among presidents up to that point? What was his most significant use of the veto?
Andrew Jackson used the veto as a "policy weapon," meaning that he would use it to influence the policies Congress passed. His most significant use of the veto came when he vetoed the reauthorization of the Second Bank of the United States.
15. Why was Andrew Jackson censured by the Senate, and how did he respond?
Andrew Jackson was censured by the Senate because he fired two secretaries from the Treasury before he got Roger B. Taney to deposit U.S. funds in the state banks. Jackson fought back against the censure. He brought up that the president was the direct representative of the American people and that if censures became common, it would cause permanent damage to the presidency.
13. According to the textbook, what did Andrew Johnson do that so quickly alienated the radical Republicans in Congress?
Andrew Johnson vetoed the Civil Rights Act of 1866 and that's what alienated the radical republicans in Congress.
Explain the consenting opinion in Youngstown Steel. What are the three types of situations in which a president might use prerogative power? How do they differ? What was the consequence for Truman in this case?
Authority is at maximum when the president acts pursuant to an express or implied authorization of Congress. Then, the president personifies federal sovereignty. Authority is uncertain when the president acts in the absence of a congressional grant of, or denial of, authority. This is known as the "zone of twilight," which is defined as a situation in which the president's ability to act is more likely due to congressional inertia, indifference, and so forth. Authority is weakest when the president acts contrary to the expressed or implied will of Congress. Then, the president has only constitutional powers proper. Conclusion: Because the steel seizure falls into the third category—Congress had made known its expressed will—this exercise of prerogative power was illegitimate. Result: When Congress has spoken, the president's prerogative power is limited; foreign policy power does not give him ultimate power over internal affairs.
Why did Polk develop the reputation of "Polk the Mendacious?" Compare and contrast the argument of political scientist Bruce Buchanan that this reputation was justified with the argument of political scientist Stephen Skowronek that it was not.
Bruce Buchanan argues that Polk achieved success by using manipulation and lies. He manipulated the members of his cabinet; he manipulated the country into war; and he manipulated the various constituencies that elected him, playing them off each other. In Buchanan's opinion, Polk may have had good reasons for all of these moves, but the consequence of his tactics was that many felt betrayed by him and Polk lost support. Polk worked behind the scenes and used the power of the office to accomplish his goals, but critics such as Buchanan wonder whether a president could achieve the same kind of results with better methods. Skowronek argues that Polk's biggest problem was trying to play a game he could not win. This was due, in part, to the fraying of the Democratic coalition and, in part, to Polk's inability to invoke Jackson's legacy while also establishing a separate identity and leaving his own mark on the presidency. To Skowronek, one of Polk's biggest errors was declaring that he would serve only one term. This made him a lame-duck president from the beginning.
1. What is demagoguery? How did the framers of the Constitution attempt to limit the possible influence of demagoguery in government?
Demagoguery is a form of leadership that is plays to people's emotions. The framers of the Constitution attempted to limit the possible influence of demagoguery by establishing four mechanisms that guard against demagoguery. The first one is a popular election, but with indirect for several offices. The second one is staggered elections, which pretty much establish different term limits for several offices. The third is that the power to govern comes from the Constitution and not the people. The fourth is an extended republic, which meant that because the country was so large, there were delegates in government that would represent the people.
13. According to the textbook, when Albert Gallatin tried to force Washington to allow members of the House to see documents involved in the Jay Treaty, what was Gallatin's real objective?
Gallatin's real objective in the matter was to show that the House had a right to be involved in the treaty-making process.
11. According to the textbook, what was Hamilton's position, expressed in the Federalist Papers, on the president's power to remove executive branch officials from office? What was Madison's position on this issue, and what is surprising about these two views?
Hamilton's position on the president's power to remove executive branch officials from office was that it needed the Senate's approval to remove an official, just like it appoints one. Madison's position on the issue was that the Senate should not be involved in the matter and that it should be up to the president to remove an official. What was really surprising about their views was that Hamilton was generally worried about Congress taking away power from the president and Madison was worried about giving one person too much power.
How did Jackson respond when he was censured by the Senate? What did he say about the place of the presidency in the political system?
He fought back. He articulated the view that the president was a direct representative of all the American people (implying that the Senate was not), and he argued that the Senate did not have the constitutional right to censure him. He also argued that if censures of the president became a regular practice, the practice would cause permanent damage to the presidency.
How did Roosevelt justify the use of prerogative power in domestic crises?
He said that he intended to work through the normal constitutional process, such as using special sessions of Congress and exercising the "normal balance of executive and legislative authority." He also said that "unprecedented demand and need for undelayed action may call for temporary departure." What he meant was that if Congress failed to solve the nation's problems, "I shall not evade the clear course of duty that will then confront me." He said he would ask Congress for "broad executive power to wage a war against the emergency." When he equated the economic crisis with war, his opinions sounded like Lincoln's own concerning prerogative power.
What flaws did Wilson feel were present in the original design of the American government? What did he try to do to correct those flaws?
He saw the separation of powers as hindering the ability of government to provide coordinated, well-led policy that was able to enact positive change. Wilson advocated amending the Constitution to bring the American system more in line with the British parliamentary system; Wilson rejected the distinction between "crisis politics" and "normal politics." He wanted deliberation to be major contests of principle. He wanted to go beyond bargaining and technicalities and to elevate debate to topics involving fundamental principles. He felt this would cause the public to be more interested in politics (as opposed to dry debates about things such as tariff rates). He also felt this would force politicians to make publicity of debate the heart of representation. Wilson rejected the notion of an independent executive structured to resist popular opinion. Instead, he saw the president as receiving his authority through a mandate from the people; Wilson felt it was the job of the president to be a leader-interpreter. This meant the president must understand the true majority sentiment that lies underneath all the conflicting positions and issues, even if the majority is not aware of it. The leader must explain the people's true desires to them in a way that is easily comprehended, meaning he or she must educate the masses using simplified arguments.
What was the irony of Jefferson's presidency?
He worked to undo what he saw as excesses of presidential power under Washington and Adams, but in doing so, he introduced an enormous new informal power of the presidency—the president as the leader of his party in Congress.
How did the Supreme Court protect and expand presidential power in the foreign policy arena?
In U.S. v. Curtiss-Wright, the court found that foreign policy power is implicitly given to the president. In part, the court recognized the many precedents of presidential foreign-policy power throughout the nation's history, but the court's opinion went further, saying that the president is empowered to conduct foreign affairs in ways that Congress cannot and should not. In US v. Belmont, the court found that even though the executive agreements between the United States and the Soviet Union were not formal treaties, they were still binding agreements. This gave executive agreements constitutional authority and made it much easier for the president to negotiate agreements with other countries.
Explain the significance of the case In re Debs.
In this case, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the president's use of prerogative power—calling out the military—in a domestic crisis. It set an important precedent for the idea that the president has power to use the military domestically, and this was a key factor in the World War II Japanese internment cases.
How did the Supreme Court view Lincoln's use of prerogative power?
It was a split decision. In three major cases, the court found in favor of Lincoln in one case and against him in two cases. The court supported his use of the military in an emergency situation in the Prize Cases but ruled against his suspension of individual civil liberties in Ex Parte Milligan and Ex Parte Merryman.
What is the Monroe Doctrine, and why was it important?
It was a statement made by Monroe warning European powers not to do any new colonizing in the western hemisphere. It was an expression of prerogative power because, in making this statement, Monroe made the first assertion of American power that lacked the authority of Congress. It was simply an assertion of power by the president, and it proved to be an effective assertion because it helped prevent further colonization of North and South America by European powers.
Explain how Jefferson used prerogative power to justify the Louisiana Purchase.
Jefferson was troubled because the Constitution did not give the government the right to purchase land. Ultimately, Jefferson made the purchase and justified it by saying it was in the best interest of the nation to get European powers out of the United States' backyard. That is prerogative power—acting for the public good even though the power to act is not specifically given to the president.
What was Jefferson's feeling about the use of prerogative power before he became president? How did his behavior as president differ from his previous ideas about the presidency?
Jefferson's feeling about the use of prerogative power before he became president was that he was opposed to it. However, during his presidency, Jefferson exercised his own kind of prerogative power. His purchase of the Louisiana territory only added more power to the presidency and is an example of prerogative power.
How did the presidency of Andrew Johnson begin a long period of congressional dominance over the presidency?
Johnson was not as good a politician as Abraham Lincoln, and although he stood for the same ideas as Lincoln regarding reconstruction, he antagonized the members of Congress so much that they became a united force against him. Once they saw how thoroughly they could dominate a president, it set a pattern for future congressional dominance over presidents.
4. Given his extensive use of prerogative power, why were Lincoln's actions relatively uncontroversial outside of the South?
Lincoln's actions were relatively uncontroversial outside of the South because he was an open and modest person so people could trust him. He had controversial goals, but people still felt they could trust him. He earned respect by talked directly and honestly with the people.
12. According to the textbook, what was Lincoln's feeling about the fact that he may have violated the Constitution with some of his responses to the secession of southern states?
Lincoln's feeling seemed as if he didn't mind. He always had the idea of trying to abolish slavery and it seemed that nothing was going to get in the way of it.
4. Why is the case Marbury v. Madison important? What precedent did it establish, and why might Jefferson have been frustrated by the decision in the case?
Marbury v. Madison was important because it established judicial review. The precedent it established was that judicial review can be used to deem an act of Congress unconstitutional. Jefferson might have been frustrated because he felt that upholding the constitution was the job of all three branches and not just the judiciary.
16. Martin Van Buren is credited with creating what institution? Explain what that institution does.
Martin Van Buren is credited with creating the "modern mass party." The "modern mass party" attempted to reach out to modern people instead of elite policy makers.
3. What is contained in Section Four of Article II?
Section Four Article II contains information about impeachment. If a president uses their powers that are deemed wrong and corrupt and go against the system, he or she may be impeached. Impeachment is a political process and not a legal process.
What are the four things that make Roosevelt a model for presidential leadership?
Skillful crisis management, effectiveness at building a relationship of trust with the American people, permanently changing the presidency by making it an activist part of government, establishing the idea that it is morally right and proper for government to protect the economic well-being of citizens.
6. Briefly explain Skowronek's theory of the presidency, limiting your answer to two or three sentences
Skowronek's theory of the presidency views it as a system of regimes where political parties rise and fall in power. A president isn't able to control his/her failure; it's determined on when they serve. During a new regime, a president is favored and as for a failing regime, presidents aren't favored.
16. According to the textbook, TR benefitted by the fact that his presidency coincided with what development in the press?
TR benefitted by the fact that his presidency coincided with the development of mass-circulation of newspapers and magazines.
15. According to the textbook, TR's conception of executive power was greatly influenced by which of the framers of the Constitution?
TR's conception of executive power was greatly influenced by Alexander Hamilton.
How did Taft's and Roosevelt's views of presidential power differ?
Taft believed the president should be constrained to do only those things that are clearly authorized by the Constitution and Congress. Roosevelt believed that presidents have the right and responsibility to do anything they feel is necessary for the good of the people and are constrained only if they are specifically forbidden to do something by the Constitution.
4. In Federalist Paper #51, Madison explained why it is necessary to protect against the inclination of government to tyranny. He outlined a three-pronged solution to the problem. In three or four sentences, what is the "great security" he wrote about?
The "great security" means that it gives members of each branch the constitutional means and motives to use their means of self-defense. When someone is voted into office, they want to protect the power and authority they receive. They are inclined to protect that power and authority from anyone trying to interfere.
9. According to the textbook, several factors contributed to the diminishing of the status of the Cabinet during Jackson's presidency. One of these factors was Jackson's reliance on his "kitchen cabinet." What was the kitchen cabinet?
The "kitchen cabinet" was group of unofficial advisers that Jackson would speak to confidentially.
10. According to the Articles of Confederation, what kind of system was being created? What modern organization makes a good comparison to the system the Articles created?
The Articles of Confederation created a system where it was an alliance of independent states, which is similar to the United Nations. Article III of the Articles of Confederation describes what kind of system was created.
5. How is the Emancipation Proclamation an example of the use of prerogative power?
The Emancipation Proclamation is an example of prerogative power because Lincoln ignored the precedent from the case of Dredscot v. Sandford, which is deemed unconstitutional. Amendments 13-15 officially reversed the case decision, but Lincoln did on his own.
How did the presidency expand during Roosevelt's presidency?
The Executive Reorganization Act of 1939 did much to reconstruct the executive branch. It increased the size and level of expertise of the president's staff. The act created the Executive Office of the President (EOP), which consolidated many executive agencies into a smaller, more manageable number of agencies directly under the authority of the president. The act created two agencies that are still important today, the Bureau of the Budget (BOB) (now the Office of Management and Budget) and the General Accounting Office (GAO) (now the Government Accountability Office). The GAO was established as a congressional agency to provide nonpartisan economic analysis. The Executive Reorganization Act of 1939 moved the BOB from the Treasury Department and put it into the EOP, which placed it more directly under the control of the president.
5. What was the Sedition Act, and what was Jefferson's response to it?
The Sedition Act is the fourth act of the Alien and Seditious Acts of 1798. The Sedition Act ruled it a crime to publish "false, scandalous, or malicious writing" against the government or officials of the government. Jefferson's response to it was that he believed it to be a violation of the First Amendment.
What did the Supreme Court rule in the case In re Debs? Briefly explain the facts of the case and why it is important.
The Supreme Court ruled in the case of In re Debs that Eugene V. Debs conviction would be upheld because the strike affected public interest and the president has the inherent authority to enforce "peace of the United States." The facts of the case are that Debs was imprisoned under Grover Cleveland for organizing a boycott in support of railway workers, despite Cleveland not having authority to act in a national railway strike. This case set the precedent that the president has the power to use the military domestically.
6. According to the textbook, the Twelfth Amendment "reinforced the unitary character of the executive." How did it do this?
The Twelfth Amendment took away the possible chance for the Vice President to be the leader of the opposing party.
10. How did the assessment of Truman's style and character lead to improvements in the assessment of his presidency over time? How have his achievements as president been reassessed over time
The assessment of Truman's style and character lead to improvements in the assessment of his presidency over time by showing that a politically weak president can set the agenda for public debate in the modern presidency era. During his presidency, Truman didn't really seem like an impressive president. That changed over time. He had a willingness to tell it like it is regardless of the consequences and the people loved that. He put together character and style with foreign policy and most of his decisions based off that are well-respected by experts.
1. In three sentences, describe the concept of the "clockwork universe," and explain how it influenced the framers of the Constitution
The concept of the "clockwork universe" comes from Sir Isaac Newton and states that when God was creating the universe, he developed the perfect system or machine. With the perfect system in place, God was no longer needed. The framers wanted to create a system so perfect at first that it would just be able to continue to run smoothly.
How did the Supreme Court limit presidential power in the domestic policy arena?
The court dealt with this issue in Humphrey's Executor v. United States (1935) and Schechter Poultry Corp. v. United States (1935). Both cases involved executive power. Humphrey was a Hoover-appointed member of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Roosevelt fired him because he did not agree with Humphrey's conservative politics. The court ruled that Roosevelt was not allowed to fire him because the agency was not a normal executive branch agency. Previous precedents gave Roosevelt the power to fire appointees, but in this case, the court concluded that the FTC was a regulatory body with a judicial-like function, and Roosevelt did not have the power to remove such officials. In the Schechter case, the court found that Section 3 of the National Industrial Recovery Act was unconstitutional because it gave the president the power to create regulations for wages and working conditions for different industries. In passing this law, the court found that Congress gave up too much of its authority to the president. The unanimous conclusion of the justices was that such legislation was damaging to the separation of powers.
11. According to the textbook, what crisis made Jackson's commitment to national sovereignty more apparent than anything else?
The crisis that made Jackson's commitment more apparent to national sovereignty was the nullification crisis that happened close to the end of his first term.
7. According to the textbook, what event during the presidency of James Madison most dramatically demonstrated the decline of presidential influence?
The decline of presidential influence was dramatically demonstrated during the War of 1812.
6. What are the four aspects of Roosevelt's presidency that make it a model for presidential leadership?
The first aspect of Roosevelt's presidency that makes it a model for presidential leadership is skillful crisis management. The second aspect is how well he was able to establish a relationship of trust with the American people. The third aspect is that he made the presidency an active part in the government. The fourth aspect is Roosevelt establish the idea that it is morally right for government to protect citizens' economic well-being.
10. According to the textbook, there were two big problems regarding the executive branch that stymied the delegates at the Constitutional Convention. What were these two problems?
The first problem that stymied the delegates at the Constitutional Convention was that their experience offered several models in which they didn't want in an executive and there were only a few models they actually like. The second problem is that the delegates had a general sense of discontent with executive authority. They wanted a strong enough executive to enforce the law and put a check on the legislative branch, but not strong enough to where it has all the power.
9. List and briefly explain the three resources Teddy Roosevelt used in expanding presidential power during his presidency.
The first resource Teddy Roosevelt used in expanding presidential power during his presidency was the bully pulpit. The presidency is a platform for him to be able to argue his case. The second resource he used was the media. The amount of inexpensive newspapers gave Roosevelt a way to address the public. The third resource he used was his own personality. He had an entertaining brand and that allowed him to have all attention on him.
14. According to the textbook, there are three particularly significant aspects of the veto statement Jackson wrote for the veto in question 13. What are those three significant aspects?
The first significant aspect is that Congress now had to consider the president's opinions about bills when enacting them or else there would be a risk of a veto. The second significant aspect is that when he vetoed it, it expressed Jefferson's belief that the president and Congress both possess power with the courts to determine what is constitutional. The third significant aspect is that at the end of his veto statement, he laid out the controversy between him and Congress and brought up his campaign for reelection.
9. According to Neustadt, what are the four conditions necessary for a president to use command authority?
The four conditions necessary for a president to use command authority are: • Assurance the president has spoken • Clarity about his meaning • Publicity of the order • No doubt of his authority
4. What kind of government did Wilson wish the United States had?
The kind of government Wilson wished the United States had was a parliament democracy like Britain. He believed the president would have a similar role like a prime minister.
7. Where in the Constitution are presidential duties and powers addressed? What are they?
The presidential powers are addressed in Section Two of Article II and the presidential duties are addressed in Section Three Article II. The presidential powers are military, bureaucratic, judicial, foreign policy and appointments. The presidential duties are to set a legislative agenda, receive ambassadors for foreign policy, appoint officers both military, and bureaucratic and execute the laws.
7. Andrew Johnson is one of only two presidents who have been impeached. Why was he impeached? In your answer, you should mention some of the reasons given by Congress but also the real reason he was impeached. In other words, explain what is meant by saying that impeachment is a political process, not a legal process
The real reason Andrew Johnson was impeached was because he became enemies with many Republicans. This was because he abused the power of the veto and many of his vetoes ended up being rejected. The reason from Congress was that he violated the Tenure of Office Act by trying to fire his secretary of war. Johnson tried to set a replacement for the position even though the Senate refused to approve the firing and he was soon impeached.
Explain how Roosevelt's foreign policy was an expression of his stewardship theory of the presidency.
The stewardship theory means it was the president's responsibility to act proactively in the nation's best interest. In foreign policy, Roosevelt acted proactively to promote the United States as a world power rather than merely reacting to world events as they occurred. He regularly acted without Congress, either because he met resistance from members of Congress or because Congress was not acting quickly enough to suit him. Roosevelt was particularly strong in leading American foreign policy in Latin America and Asia.
14. According to the textbook, what is the strategic error made by Grant that set the tone for his entire two terms as president?
The strategic error made by Grant was that did not repeal the "compromise" amendment that gave the Senate a more preserved role in the removal of executive officials. Many people were hoping that Grant would restore the presidency and that did not help.
6. What were the three ultimate tests of the rightness of his use of prerogative power, according to Lincoln? Did he pass each of these?
The three ultimate tests of the rightness of his use of prerogative power were that he asked for Congress' ratification of his decisions, he presided over midterm elections in 1862 and won the election of 1864, and he was never impeached or removed as president. He believed all of that justified what he did and he did pass each of these.
8. It is argued that the framers distrusted power. Explain two mechanisms included in the design of the new government that limited the power of the people. The effort to limit the power of the people led to a lack of interest in government and politics. What do we call that lack of interest?
The two mechanisms that limited the power of the people were Congress and the Electoral College. People were kept from making decisions on government so Congress was made. A representative democracy was made and that's where the Electoral College came into play. Accroding to presidential scholar, Brian Buchanan, the framers deliberately set up a system that created disinterest. A lack of interest is called, trained civic incapacity
6. Where in the Constitution is the vesting clause of executive power? What is a vesting clause?
The vesting clause can be found in Section One of Article II. A vesting clause gives the three branches of government their power. Congress receives their legislative power. The Supreme Court receives their judicial power. The executive branch receives their executive power.
Briefly identify where to find the vesting clause, the powers, and the duties of the president, and explain what each means.
The vesting clause is in Section One of Article II, and it states that executive power in the new government belongs to the president. The powers of the president are found in Section Two, and they include military, bureaucratic, judicial, foreign policy, and appointments powers. The duties are found in Section Three, and they include setting the legislative agenda, receiving ambassadors (foreign policy), appointing officers (military and bureaucratic), and executing the laws (administration).
8. According to the textbook, Gouverneur Morris changed the wording of a key part of the vesting clause for the Congress to help ensure that the powers of the presidency extend beyond those listed in the Constitution. What is this wording change and why might it have done what Morris wanted it to do?
The wording change is, "All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States." The different phrasing meant that there were executive powers beyond "herein granted." Another explanation is that the president would have more power than the enumerated powers.
7. Why is Article II of the Constitution so vague? What did the vagueness of Article II allow the presidency to do over time?
There were forces at the Constitutional Convention who wanted an executive branch with real power, but the framers had worries about an executive power. So, they left it vague with the understanding that the duties for the job will work themselves out over time. The vagueness of Article II gave the office room to grow in which advocates of a strong executive branch were very pleased.
Why were the framers concerned with creating the best possible design for a government, and how is this concern obvious in Article II?
They were concerned with design because they wanted to create a government that could last. Their attention to design is obvious in Article II from the study of existing constitutions they conducted to make sure that they put together the best possible executive branch in the new constitution.
11. This statement is in the textbook: "Wilson's conflation of partisanship with patriotism was a serious political error." What does this statement mean?
This statement means that mixing partisanship and patriotism together was a huge issue on Wilson's part. Wilson was intolerant of the Democratic party and it seemed as if we was losing credibility with what he was doing in his presidency.
How did George Washington prove to the framers of the Constitution that he could be trusted as president, long before the Constitutional Convention ever took place?
Through his refusal to entertain the proposal of his military officers that he could become a military dictator, Washington was always on record as a supporter of democracy.
What was Truman's main foreign policy philosophy?
Truman believed in containment, which meant that communism should not be allowed to spread from one country to the next. Truman expressed his feelings about the importance of containment when he asked for economic and military aid for Turkey and Greece, in order to keep them from falling into communist hands. His ideas were supported by Congress, and they became collectively known as the Truman Doctrine.
What was Truman's philosophy of containment? When Truman stated this philosophy, what did his statement become known as? Give two examples of legislation that were passed to promote containment.
Truman's philosophy of containment was that he believed that communism should not be allowed to spread from one country to another. His statement became known as the Truman Doctrine. Two examples of legislation that were passed to promote containment were the Marshall Plan and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
4. Briefly recount the circumstances of United States v. Curtiss-Wright Export Corporation and United States v. Belmont. How did each of these cases expand or confirm, or both, Roosevelt's power as America's foreign-policy leader?
United States v. Curtiss-Wright Export Corporation showed that foreign-policy power is implicitly given to the president. The president is allowed to conduct foreign affairs in such ways that Congress can't. United States v. Belmont exemplified the use of executive agreements. This case showed that state laws do not have precedence over international affairs and this case gave executive agreements constitutional authority. These two cases pretty much gave Roosevelt total control over foreign policy.
5. Why did people believe that Washington truly wanted to create a government that would protect liberty?
Washington was a well-respected man due to his successful leadership during his time in the military. As he and many other army officers were travelling the nation during the Revolution, they saw a need for a stronger national unity. Washington pretty much single-handedly stop an army officer revolt against Congress and the military emerged from it as a protector of liberty.
12. According to the textbook, why was Washington reluctant to use the veto as president?
Washington was so reluctant to use the veto as president because he wanted to establish trust with Congress and the people so that later presidents would be able to use their power forcefully within the means of the executive branch.
What are the fundamental questions we ask about the presidency?
What is the presidency for? How do we assess presidential performance?
2. What does it mean to say that the framers wanted an independent executive?
What the framers meant by an independent executive was that they wanted the executive branch to be totally independent of the other branches. They wanted the executive branch to have a different perspective on public policy than what Congress or the people thought.
What was William Howard Taft's view of presidential power?
William Taft's view of presidential power was that it had to be in the Constitution or that Congress had to give it to the president. Taft denied the idea that presidents have an "inherent special power" because the president is the "only public official with a national constituency."
What was Wilson's character flaw, and how did it undermine his achievements as president?
Wilson had a strong sense of moral idealism, which greatly influenced his foreign policy. During World War I, Wilson tried to strike a moral tone for a new world order. Unfortunately for him, he proved to have an unyielding character that made him unwilling to negotiate. He demanded things be done his way. The result was the death of his beloved League of Nations. Wilson had a character flaw in his inability to compromise.
3. What was Wilson's opinion about the separation of powers, as designed by the framers of the Constitution?
Wilson's opinion about the separation of powers was that he thought it was impeding the ability for the government to provide quality policies that would bring positive change. Overall, he rejected the view of the framers.
3. In a couple of sentences, explain what you think was Woodrow Wilson's chief complaint about the system of government created by the Constitution?
Woodrow Wilson's chief complaint was that the system of government created by the Constitution was not direct and simple. He believed that the government was set up in an inefficient way to where it's not able to be operated properly.
5. Briefly recount the circumstances of Yakus v. United States. Did the decision expand or contract Roosevelt's foreign policy power? Explain your answer. Was it a reversal of the Schechter decision?
Yakus v. United States expanded Roosevelt's foreign policy power. The court upheld wage and price controls that Roosevelt implemented. This precedent was a reversal of the Schechter decision. The court argued that this authority to the president granted by Congress was during a time of national crisis.
