Executive ap gov test multiple choice

On September 29, 2020, after the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, President Donald Trump, a Republican, nominated Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court. Many Democrats in the Senate feared that the appointment of Barrett would swing the Court in a more ideologically conservative direction and attempted to block her nomination. After a heated Senate confirmation hearing, Barrett was eventually confirmed by a 52 to 48 vote in the Senate. The scenario best highlights which of the following statements about court appointees?

A Life tenure for appointed justices alongside the power of judicial review increases the stakes in the confirmation process for nominees to the Supreme Court.

On February 9, 2016, President Barack Obama released his budget proposal for the 2017 fiscal year. Facing a Republican Congress, many declared the plan "dead on arrival." Among the cited issues was Obama's request for $582.7 billion in discretionary spending for defense, which many Republicans believed was not enough. Which of the following most accurately explains the interaction between the president and the Congress regarding the defense budget?

C Congress passes a budget for the entire federal government, including defense, but it must consider the president's proposal because the president may veto the bill.

Executive agreements have been cited as evidence that Responses 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 Related Content & Skills Topic2.5

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 Responses 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 Related Content & Skills

a

President and Term-Signing Statements Issued-Objections to Legislation Within the Signing Statement Reagan (1981-1989)-250-86 (35%).George H. W. Bush (1989-1993)-228-107 (47%).Clinton (1993-2001)-381-70 (18%).George W. Bush (2001-2009)-161-127 (79%). Which of the following best explains a reason that a president might use a signing statement to express displeasure with a bill as opposed to issuing a veto? Responses 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. Related Co

a

Responses 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. Related Content & Skills

a

Senate Vote on S.J. Res 7: A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities in the Republic of Yemen that have not been authorized by Congress Source: Govtrack, 2019. The data in the table illustrate which of the following about United States constitutional government? Responses A Presidential foreign policy can be checked through the legislative power of Congress. B The president can declare war, but Congress can vote to block funding for wars. C Cloture procedures make it increasingly difficult to filibuster bills in the Senate. D Gerrymandering has intensified partisan divisions in Congress. Related Co

a

Source: United States Senate; Brookings Institution, 2017 Which of the following is true based on the data in the line graph? Responses 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. Related Co

a

The expansion of the executive branch since 1939 has affected the separation of powers by Responses 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 Related Content & Skills Topic2.6

a

The president cannot veto which of the following? Responses A Joint resolutions that propose constitutional amendments B Laws overturning United States Supreme Court decisions C Legislation regulating congressional salaries D Legislation affecting foreign policy E Bills that originate in the Senate Related Co

a

Which of the following is an accurate comparison of checks on the legislative branch and checks on the executive branch? Check on Legislative Branch Check on Executive Branch AThe president may veto bills passed by Congress. The Senate must confirm judicial nominees. BThe president has the power to fund wars. The House of Representatives can pass articles of impeachment. CThe Supreme Court has the power of judicial review. Congress can remove members of the president's cabinet. DStates may nullify federal laws that violate state constitutions. The Supreme Court can declare presidential actions unconstitutional if a case arises. Responses A B C D Related Content & Skills Topic2.5

a

Which of the following is an accurate comparison of the text by Schlesinger and The Federalist 70 ? Responses A While Schlesinger views centralization of power in the presidency as dangerous, The Federalist 70 views it as vital to the presidency's effectiveness. B While The Federalist 70 views centralization of power in the presidency as dangerous, Schlesinger views it as vital to the presidency's effectiveness. C Both Schlesinger and The Federalist 70 view centralization of power in the presidency as dangerous. D Both Schlesinger and The Federalist 70 view centralization of power in the presidency as vital to the presidency's effectiveness. Related Content & Skills

a

Which of the following is an action a president can take to rally public support for the administration's legislative agenda? Responses 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. Related Co

a

Which of the following stages comes first in the policy-making process? Responses A Agenda setting B Legitimation C Program evaluation D Policy formulation E Implementation Related Co

a

Which statement best explains the information in the graphic? Responses A The secretary was confirmed by a partisan vote. B Confirmation was blocked by one party. C Independents swayed the vote for the majority. D Attempts at compromise were unsuccessful.

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? Responses A Secretary of defense B Supreme Court justice C Chair of the Council of Economic Advisors D Ambassador to Germany Related Co

b

Based on the passage above, which of the following constitutional provisions would the author most likely identify as a solution to the problem of the imperial presidency? Responses A Congress exercising the power to regulate commerce B Congress insisting that it declare war prior to the use of international force C The president making stronger use of bureaucratic discretion D Congress creating term limits for all members of government Related Content & Skills

b

Even with large majorities of their own party in Congress, presidents experience difficulty in exercising legislative leadership because Responses 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 Related Content & Skills Topic2.5

b

In 2012, after negotiations on a bill in Congress failed, President Obama issued an executive order that protected from deportation individuals illegally brought to the United States as children by their parents. The president took this action because Responses A the executive order would require Congress to bring a bill regarding illegal immigration to the floor for a vote B disagreement between congressional leaders and the president on the issue meant that a compromise on a bill was not likely C the president was reacting to a Supreme Court decision that required him to do something to protect these individuals D the Constitution clearly gives the president control over the legal status of immigrants in the United States Related Content & Skills Topic2.4

b

In many places, classrooms are overcrowded and curricula are outdated. Most of our qualified teachers are underpaid, and many of our paid teachers are unqualified. So we must give every child a place to sit and a teacher to learn from. Poverty must not be a bar to learning, and learning must offer an escape from poverty. But more classrooms and more teachers are not enough. We must seek an educational system which grows in excellence as it grows in size. This means better training for our teachers. It means preparing youth to enjoy their hours of leisure as well as their hours of labor. It means exploring new techniques of teaching, to find new ways to stimulate the love of learning and the capacity for creation. . . . . . . While our Government has many programs directed at those issues, I do not pretend that we have the full answer to those problems. But I do promise this: We are going to assemble the best thought

b

In selecting members of the White House staff, Presidents primarily seek people who Responses 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 Related Content & Skills Topic2.5

b

President and Term-Signing Statements Issued-Objections to Legislation Within the Signing Statement Reagan (1981-1989)-250-86 (35%).George H. W. Bush (1989-1993)-228-107 (47%).Clinton (1993-2001)-381-70 (18%).George W. Bush (2001-2009)-161-127 (79%). Which of the following statements is most accurately supported by the data in the table? Responses 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. Related Co

b

Responses 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. Related Content & Skills

b

Source: United States Senate; Brookings Institution, 2017 Which of the following statements is best supported by the line graph? Responses 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. Related Co

b

Which of the following describes the president's Cabinet? Responses 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. Related Content & Skills

b

Which of the following scenarios illustrates how social media has changed the way presidents relate to the public? Responses 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 Related Co

b

Which of the following situations best reflects the author's concern about an "imperial" presidency? Responses A The Senate ratifying treaties without executive approval B The president issuing an increasing number of executive agreements C Congress declaring war independent of the president D The president appointing a new secretary of education Related Content & Skills

b

A President attempting to influence Congress to pass a legislative program might employ all of the following strategies EXCEPT Responses 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 Related Content & Skills Topic2.6

c

Responses A The modern president has abused the power of the executive branch through the use of the bully pulpit. B Federal courts play a substantial role in the American political system, but they have been unable to check the executive. C The perception of multiple crises has led to the growth of an executive branch that is undermining the separation of powers in the government. D The Constitution has failed to protect the separation of powers by giving the executive branch and the president too much power. Related Content & Skills

c

Source: Daily Signal, 2015 Which of the following trends is best supported by the information in the table? Responses 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. Related Co

c

The Senate must confirm all of the following presidential appointments EXCEPT Responses A United States attorneys B United States Supreme Court justices C White House staff D heads of executive agencies E federal judges Related Co

c

Which of the following best illustrates the point being made in the cartoon above? Responses 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. Related Content & Skills

c

Which of the following explains why the author believes presidential power has expanded? Responses 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. Related Content & Skills

c

Which of the following is the primary reason for the tensions that exist between the legislative and executive branches of the federal government? Responses 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. Related Co

c

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? Responses 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. Related Co

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 Responses 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 Related Co

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 head of the Executive Office of the President. 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? Responses 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. Related Content & Skills Topic2.5

d

The usefulness to the President of having cabinet members as political advisers is undermined by the fact that Responses 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 Related Co

d

Which of the following is an example of how the innovation of social media can influence presidential behavior? Responses 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. Related Co

d

Which of the following situations is an example of the president using the bully pulpit as a tool for agenda setting? Responses A President Clinton invoking executive privilege in resisting a subpoena by the United States Senate during the Whitewater investigation B President Bush issuing a signing statement in the Detainee Treatment Act of 2005 that considerably weakened its provisions C President Obama issuing an executive order delaying the deportation of at least five million undocumented immigrants D President Reagan delivering a televised address urging a reduction in federal taxes Related Content & Skills Topic2.7

d

A President may persuade recalcitrant members of Congress to vote for a particular bill by Responses 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 Related Content & Skills Topic2.7

e

All of the following have contributed to an increase in presidential power in the post-1945 era EXCEPT Responses 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 Related Content & Skills

e

Congress adopted the War Powers Resolution to Responses 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 Related Content & Skills Topic2.6

e

In trying to influence legislation, the President is generally more successful than congressional leaders in Responses 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 Related Content & Skills

e

Source: People for the American Way Which of the following statements is supported by the chart above? Responses 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. Related Co

e