Chapter 12 Questions
What factors contributed to the growth of presidential power in the twentieth century?
As the nation's economy grew, the government needed to assume a larger regulatory role. As the world shrank, the federal government needed to expand its diplomatic presence
In what ways have first ladies expanded the role of their office over the twentieth century?
Before they served as private political advisers to their husbands, now they have their own agendas, programs, and policies.
What strategies can presidents employ to win people over to their way of thinking?
Can use road trips across the country, major speeches, and rewards to people in their camp. Not very successful. What works best is for a president find a popular position to get out in front of.
What way did George Washington expanded the power of the presidency?
He appointed the heads of various federal departments as his own advisors
How do presidents work to fulfill their campaign promises once in office?
The chief executive must set priorities, chose what to emphasize, and formulate strategies to get the job done
An example of an executive agreement is?
The president signs legally binding nuclear arms terms with Iran without seeking congressional approval.
How did the election of 1824 change the way presidents were selected?
The selection of the candidate with fewer electoral votes triggered the rise of party control over nominations
How were presidents in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries likely to reach the public? Were these methods effective?
They made speeches or published letters and newspapers. They may have been effective in their day but not compared to television, radio, and internet.
How did presidents who served in the decades directly after Washington expand the powers of the presidency?
John Adams: Expanded the war power.Thomas Jefferson: Negotiated the purchase of Louisiana from France.James Monroe: Take direct control of foreign policymaking.
Which of the following is an unintended consequence of the rise of the primary and caucus system?
Sometimes candidates unpopular with the party leadership reach the top
The passage of the Tenure of Office Act of 1867 was just one instance in a long line of ________.
Struggles for power between the President and the Congress.
How have the methods presidents use to negotiate with their party and the opposition changed over time?
The President can surpass conflict with executive orders and agreements.
What problems exist with the Electoral College?
1. Small states are over-represented since each state is guaranteed 3 electors 2. Most states are not competitive, due to winner-take-all, where one party will win all the elections 3. A candidate may win the presidency without winning the national popular vote
The people who make up the modern president's cabinet are the heads of the major federal departments and ________.
must be confirmed by the Senate
A very challenging job for new presidents is to ______.
nominate and gain confirmation for their cabinet and hundreds of other officials
President Theodore Roosevelt's concept of the bully pulpit was the office's ________.
premier position to pressure through public appeal
Many at the Continental Congress were skeptical of allowing presidents to be directly elected by the legislature because ________.
they feared the opportunities created for corruption
