AP GOV UNIT 4.2

Question 1

Article II: Executive Power

Answer 1

This article in the Constitution is what gives the executive branch its power. The president has the ability to appoint ambassadors, Supreme Court justices, and other federal officials with Senate approval. This article establishes the ability to create treaties with a 2/3 majority in both houses. It also allows for the president to be impeached, and instill vetoes (overridden once again by a 2/3 vote in both houses).

Question 2

Presidential Qualifications

Answer 2

The requirements to become a president is be a natural-born citizen of the United States, be at least 35 years old, and they must have been a resident of the United States for 14 years.

Question 3

Powers of the President

Answer 3

Commander in Chief: The president leads the military and state militias. When in power, the president can create agencies followed with executive order to maintain economic and national security.

Appointment Power: The president appoints ambassadors, Supreme Court justices, and other officers. The Senate must confirm these appointments.

Veto Power: The president can review and block legislation that passes through Congress. Congress can override this veto with a 2/3 vote in both houses.

Enforce laws: They are responsible in ensuring that the Constitution and laws are upheld.

Question 4

State of the Union

Answer 4

The State of the Union Address is a annual speech that is delivered by the President, one that outlines the administration’s goals, legislative agenda, and national priorities. This one of the best ways for the president to serve as a public platform, where he directly engages with the public in reinforcing their goals.

Article II section 3 requires the president to give this address.

Question 5

Bully Pulpit

Answer 5

This is a platform that the President has in order to present their agenda and further influence public opinion.

First introduced by President Roosevelt, he used it to describe the presidency as a way to reach out directly to citizens.

Question 6

Federalist 70

Answer 6

This where Hamilton exemplifies the need for a president to have “Energy in the Executive”.This is further described by 4 ingredients -unity (Single executive leader), duration (Term), an adequate provision( Resources and support a strong executive needs for their duties) , and competent powers
(Constitutional Powers)-

Question 7

20th Amendment

Answer 7

This establishes the dates for the presidential and congressional terms.

The president and VP start on January 20th, and Congress Members January 3rd.

It outlines the succession in line for the presidency.

Question 8

22nd Amendment

Answer 8

This sets a term limit for a president to two terms. Motivated after FDR served 4 terms!
This prevents any one individual from having too much power (barely)

Question 9

23rd Amendment

Answer 9

This granted residents of Washington DC the right to vote for presidential candidates.

This gave the resident of DC a voice in elections.

They receive three because has equal to the least populated state.

Resolved an issue where residents of DC could not vote even while paying federal taxes.

Question 10

Impeachment

Answer 10

This is a constitutional procedure where federal officials can be removed for committing high treason bad crimes etc…

The House of Representatives has the sole power to impeach (simple majority vote), and the Senate (2/3 vote) conducts the trial and convicts the official to be removed from office.

Very important check on the executive branch

Question 11

Executive Privilege

Answer 11

This a president’s power and other members of the executive branch to withhold information from the other two branches on the claim that it would harm national security.

NOT explicitly stated in the Constitution. Came from the idea that each branch of gov. needs autonomy. US v. Nixon established limits on executive privilege, saying that the President cannot use it to withhold information dealing with a criminal investigation.

Question 12

US v. Nixon (1974)

Answer 12

This established the rules of executive privilege. Arose when Nixon refused to release audio tapes related to the Watergate scandal of spying on the opposite political party during the election. Executive privilege is not a permanent information with older and can be overridden in cases of judicial necessity.

Led to his resignation

Showed a check on the executive branch by the judicial

Question 13

25th amendment

Answer 13

Established that if the president becomes vacant, then the vice president shall become president.

And if the vice president office becomes vacant, the president shall appoint a new one and requires a majority vote by both houses

Question 14

Appointment Power

Answer 14

The president can appoint ambassadors, judges, white House staff. “Principal” are appointed by the president AND confirmed by the Senate to their position. “Inferior” officers are Congress appointing judiciary, President, or department heads.

White House Staff do not need Senate confirmation and can be fired by the President at any time.

Question 15

Cabinet Departments

Answer 15

Department of State:
This is an executive department that is responsible for the country’s foreign affairs and international relations.

Department of Treasury: This department operates the nation’s financial infrastructure. This includes the production of coin, and currency, the distribution of payments to the American public, collecting revenue, and borrowing funds to run the federal government.

Department of Defense: This is the federal agency responsible for coordinating and supervising all government activities relating directly to national security and the military. Has a role in setting defense policy, managing military operations, and overseeing various branches of the armed forces.

Department of Justice: This department is responsible for enforcing the laws of the US. This includes the FBI and the DEA. They investigate and prosecute federal crimes, representing the US in court cases, and overseeing federal prisons.

Department of the Interior: They are responsible for managing and conserving most of the US’s public lands (national parks, wildlife refuges, and mineral extraction), natural resources, and up-keeping trust in Native tribes.

Department of Agriculture: They are responsible for all federal laws related to farming, Agriculture, forestry, and food. They work with state departments to implement agricultural policies and programs on a local level.

Department of Commerce: They are responsible for promoting economic growth, job creation, and fostering innovation by overseeing trade. Headed by the Secretary of Commerce.

Department of Labor: They are responsible for enforcing labor laws, ensuring safe-working conditions, protecting worker rights, and promoting the well being of American workers. This involves issues like minimum wage, overtime pay, unemployment insurance, and employment discrimination.

Department of Transportation: They are responsible for developing and implementing transportation projects, overseeing safety regulations, making sure disability transportation is available (civil rights committee), all ways of travel. Managing the country’s infrastructure related to movement of people and goods.

Department of Housing and Urban Development: They are responsible for policies/programs addressing housing needs, developing communities, and enforcing housing laws. Supporting homeownership for lower-income families, providing rental assistance, and improving urban communities.

Department of Health and Human Services: They are responsible for protecting the health of all all Americans by providing essential human services, including public health programs, welfare initiatives, and health insurance oversight. CDC, FDA, NIH, and CMS

Department of Energy: They are responsible for managing the nation’s energy policy, overseeing nuclear weapons development and research, promoting energy security, and advancing scientific innovation in the field of energy. Making sure the US has a reliable and secure energy supply while also considering environmental concerns.

Department of Education: They are responsible for establishing national education policies, administering federal funding for education programs, and ensuring equal access to quality education for all Americans.

Department of Veteran Affairs: They are responsible for administering benefits, healthcare, and cemetery services to military veterans. This includes pensions, education assistance, disability compensation, home loans, and medical care.

Department of Homeland Security: They are responsible from threats like terrorism, natural disasters, and other emergencies. Anti-terrorism, border security, cybersecurity, disaster management.

Independent Executive Agencies: These are government agencies that operate within the executive branch but designed to function with autonomy from direct presidential control. NASA, EPA, FCC, SEC. Aiming to avoid political interference. Not overseen by a cabinet secretary because it is not part of a cabinet department.

Question 16

Line of Succession

Answer 16

1. Vice President
2. Speaker of the House
3. President Pro Temp
4. Secretary of State
5. Secretary of the Treasury
6. Secretary of Defense
7. Attorney General
8. Secretary of the Interior
9. Secretary of Agriculture
10. Secretary of Commerce
11. Secretary of Labor
12. Secretary of Health and Human Services
13. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
14. Secretary of Transportation
15. Secretary of Energy
    !6. Secretary of Education

Question 17

Executive Agreements

Answer 17

These are international agreements made by the president without Senate approval. This can be used to manage foreign relations, address specific issues, and create concrete commitments between nations. They can be challenged/undone by other administrations.

These are meant for swift action for treaties without the Senate.

Question 18

Veto/Pocket Veto

Answer 18

This is an official power of the president to reject legislation by Congress. This is considered as a check on the legislative branch.

The pocket veto is a special type of veto that is used by the President. This happens when the president takes no action on a bill for 10 days while Congress is at rest (adjourned).

Question 19

Line-item veto

Answer 19

This is a veto power that allows an executive to reject specific provisions of a bill without having to reject the entire legislation. This gives governors more control over budget and legislative process because of their ability to eliminate wasteful spending or unwanted provisions.

Question 20

War Powers Resolution

Answer 20

This aims to limit the President’s ability to engage U.S. forces in military conflict without congressional approval. If Congress does not approve within 60 days, the President must withdraw troops. This was passed after Nixon conducted CAMBODIA CARPET BOMBINGS

Question 21

Roles of the President:
Chief Executive:

The president is running our government, making sure laws are enforced, nominating federal justices, foreign ambassadors, grants, pardons, executive orders, and coordinating efforts for over.

Chief Legislator:

The president recommends laws whilst also advising and guiding Congress in their lawmaking activities. He gives his State of Union address, evaluating the country’s diplomat

Chief Diplomat:

The president is the leader, initiator, and guide of foreign leader. They consult with leaders of foreign countries and make foreign affair decisions. Negotiating treaties.

Chief of State:
Holding and attending state dinners

Chief Jurist:

Appointing federal judges, granting pardons/ clemency, or enforce court decisions through ensuring they are upheld in the executive branch.

Chief of Party:

Leader of their own political party while President. Frequently endorses or campaigns for other candidates from his or own party who are running for office.

Chief Economist:

Proposing the federal budget, influencing economic policy, managing economic crises, appointing heads of economic agencies. (Chair of Federal Reserve) Secretary of Treasury. Tariffs, exports, imports

Question 22

Pardoning Power

Answer 22

Presidents constitutional power for the President to forgive individuals for federal crimes. Releasing them from punishment/legal consequence. EXCEPT WHEN IMPEACHMENT IS INVOLVED

Question 23

Inherent Powers

Answer 23

These are Powers that allows the president to act in situations where the Constitution may not provide direct way of handling the situation. Executive orders, injunctions, seizing property (WW1, WW2)

Question 24

Modern Presidency

Answer 24

The expanded role of the President. Increased executive power, larger staff, greater influence on public opinion. More executive orders, signing Statements to implement policy.

Using the bully pulpit to influence public opinion on policy.

Leading role in international affairs, negotiating treaties and deploying military forces.

Question 25

Vice President

Answer 25

The 2nd executive officer. Directly supporting the president. 2nd in line. Tie-breaking vote in the Senate. (ONLY TIME THEY VOTE) President of the Senate Their role depends on the president.

Question 26

Executive Office of the President (EOP)

Answer 26

A group of offices and agencies that DIRECTLY support the president. This includes the White House Staff, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), National Security Council (NSC). Acting as the President's close Advisors and helping coordinate the executive branch's activities. Overseen by the White House Chief of Staff. Most appointed with full Presidential power (political appointees) except for the Director of the OMB

Question 27

White House Staff/West Wing

Answer 27

They work in the West Wing of the White House and work directly for the President. Managing day-to-day operations. Chief of Staff, Senior Advisors, Press Secretary, Counsel to the President.

Question 28

President as Policymaker

Answer 28

Proposing legislation, working with Congress to pass laws, vetoes, executive order. Also setting the national agenda through the State of the Union Address and influencing public opinion through the bully pulpit. Could be limited by checks in Congress like injunctions and Overturning vetoes

Question 29

Office of Budget Management (OMB)

Answer 29

A federal agency in the EOP that is responsible for creating the President's annual budget, overseeing its implementation across gov. agencies, and evaluating agency programs and legislative proposals to ensure it aligns to the President's agenda.

Question 30

NSC (National Security Council)

Answer 30

A federal agency within the EOP that advises the President on all things relating to the national security and foreign policy of the Untied States. This brings in cabinet officials like the Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense to coordinate strategies on issues affecting the country's safety.

Question 31

CEA (Council of Economic Advisors)

Answer 31

A group of economist within the EOP that provide the President expert advice on economic policy to the President on both domestic and international policy.

Question 32

Executive Orders

Answer 32

These are official orders by the President that do not need Congressional approval. They can be challenged in court (judicial check on executive). This is meant for quick action in areas where legislative gridlocks may occur. Has increased over the years.

Question 33

Signing Statements

Answer 33

A document written by the President when signing a bill into law. This often shows the Presidents interpretation of the law ,indicating potential concerns or objects they have regarding certain provisions within the bill. Presidents way of expressing their perspective on a new law while signing it.

Question 34

Federal bureaucracy: regulatory power, fines, testify, issue networks

Answer 34

Congress grants agencies the goals and objectives the agency must achieve. The Administrative Procedure Act (APA) sets the blueprint for how agencies crate and implement regulations. Agencies have discretion in how to interpret laws and how to implement them. Federal agencies use fine in order to enforce regulations. The Treasury Department tracks all fines, penalties, and expenditures Representatives of federal agencies may testify before Congress on various policy issues, and the bureaucracy may be called upon for an expert testimony in legal cases Issue networks are diverse stakeholders, interest groups, gov. agencies, and experts who join together to influence public policy. Advocating for policy changes on a specific issue.

Question 35

Spoils System/Patronage

Answer 35

The spoils system is a practice where a political party rewards their supporters with jobs and benefits for the support. Appointment based on loyalty rather than their qualifications.

Question 36

Merit System

Answer 36

This is a practice where government jobs and benefits are hired based on skills and qualification, rather than their political support or connections (patronage). This was enforced by the Pendleton Act of 1883, calling for a merit system to replace the patronage government practice.

Question 37

Pendleton Act

Answer 37

The Pendleton Act of 1883, calling for a merit system to replace the patronage government practice. Establishing an open competition of federal jobs and protection from political influence.

Question 38

Independent Executive Agencies

Answer 38

NASA - A government agency responsible for the nation's space program. A crucial role in the exploration of space, scientific discovery, and advancing technology. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) - A federal agency that was tasked with protecting human health and environment by enforcing regulations based on laws passed by Congress. Environmental policy-making and implementation. Ensures compliance with laws like Clean Water Act and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. SSA (Social Security Administration) - Created to oversee the Social Security program and manage the distribution of benefits. Medicaid Medicare CIA - An intelligence agency that is responsible for gathering US government intelligence as well as foreign intelligence to assist the President/policymakers in national security decisions.

Question 39

Independent Regulatory Commission

Answer 39

NLRB (National Labor Relations Board) - An independent federal agency with the power to protect employees from unfair labor practices, conduct election for union representing, enforce the National Labor Relations Act. FCC (Federal Communications Commission) - An independent agency that regulates communications in the US. Radio, TV, wire, satellite, and cable. Bipartisan decision making. FEC (Federal Elections Commission) - An independent agency established to oversee and enforce campaign finance laws in the US. How a candidate can raise and spend money during elections. FTC - Protecting consumers and promoting competition by preventing anticompetitive, deceptive, and unfair business practices. Regulating trade practices, enforcing antitrust laws, and ensuring markets operate properly. The Fed (Federal Reserve Board) - The central banking system of the US. Managing the nation's money supply, setting interest rates, and serving as a lender of last resort to banks. SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) - Regulating the US securities markets by protecting investors from fraud and ensuring fair market practices by overseeing activities like stock exchanges, brokers, and investment advisors OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) - Assures safe and healthful working conditions by enforcing standards, providing training, outreach, education, and assistance.

Question 40

FBI

Answer 40

A government agency within the DOJ that serves as a federal criminal investigative organization and an internal intelligence agency. Terrorism, organized crime, civil rights violations, cybercrime, money laundering, hate crime, human trafficking, public corruption. Overseen by the Director of National Intelligence.

Question 41

Government Corporations

Answer 41

Gov. corporations are created to provide a PUBLIC SERVICE while also generating revenue. But independent agencies like the EPA tend to focus on specific areas of public policy, regulation, or services. Operating like a business while providing a public service. Subject to congressional oversight USPS - a gov. corporation responsible for delivering mail across the country, ensuring access to postal services for all Americans. AMTRAK - a gov. corporation that operates as the passenger rail service across the US. Acting as the country's long-distance train travel. Owned and controlled by the federal gov. but functions as a for-profit company. Corporation for Public Broadcasting - A gov. corporation meant for funding and supporting public broadcasting. Distributing money to local public radio and TV stations. TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority) - A gov. corporation providing navigation, flood control, electricity generation, and economic development in the Tennessee Valley. Created to modernize the region after the Great Depression.

Question 42

Hatch Act

Answer 42

A law that restricts political activities of government employees in order to ensure a nonpartisan civil service. Aiming to prevent corruption and limit involvement of federal employees in political campaign and partisan activities.

Question 42

Implementation

Answer 42

The process of putting a policy/law into action. Translating the intentions of lawmakers into actual practices and outcomes. How discretion is used.

Question 43

Iron Triangle

Answer 43

The relationship between government agencies, congressional committees, and interest groups. Interest group give electoral support to Congress, Congress funds government agencies, and government agencies give interest group special favors. Congress gives friendly legislation to interest groups, interest groups lobby their support for government agencies, and gov agencies exhibit policy choices & execution.

Question 43

Interagency councils

Answer 43

A group formed by representatives from different gov. agencies, coming together to coordinate policy and decision-making that crossover on multiple agencies. Enabling different agencies to work together on shared goals. High level oversight on broader issues

Question 44

Policy coordinating committees

Answer 44

A group that is designed to manage and coordinate policy across different agencies on a specific issue. Policy coordination on a daily basis.

Question 45

Administrative discretion

Answer 45

The authority of gov. agencies to use judgement and flexibility when making decisions.

Question 46

Administrative adjudication

Answer 46

A gov. agency like the EPA can resolve a dispute through formal hearing and decisions. This allows agencies to enforce regulations and adjudicate violations without needing to go through the court system. Can be appealed to higher courts. Due to agencies having their own rules and procedures, this is quicker than a traditional court system.