Ch 14: The Presidency
Define the terms below.
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Divided government
Unified government
Gridlock
Electoral college
Pyramid structure
(include pros & cons of
structure)
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Circular structure
(include pros & cons of
structure)
Ad hoc structure
(include pros & cons of
structure)
Cabinet
Bully pulpit
Veto message
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Pocket veto
Line item veto
Executive privilege
U.S. v Nixon
Budget Reform Act of
1974
Legislative veto
Impeachment
Lame duck
After reading Chapter 14, answer the questions below.
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2.
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4.
5.
Why is it fair to say that Presidents are often outsiders?
What Constitutional rule governs offices in the executive branch?
What types of people generally are given cabinet level positions?
Why do Americans claim they do not like divided government?
What evidence exists that demonstrates that divided government is no less effective that unified
government?
6. What suggests that, at some level, Americans like gridlock?
7. During the early years of the republic, what kinds of restrictions were placed on state governors? What
did this say about early Americans fears of executives?
8. What was suggested for the U.S. executive?
9. Why was the Electoral College created? Describe the way the Electoral College works.
10. What trend did Washington set with regard to terms in office? How and when was this formalized into a
Constitutional limitation?
11. What is unusual about American presidents and their transition into / out of office?
12. What general early rule of “fitness” was used in the selection of appointed officials?
13. Why were vetoes initially cast?
14. How did Jackson alter the relations between the President and the Congress? How did he alter the role
of the President?
15. What powers did Lincoln take advantage of as President?
16. Has the President’s role in the development of legislation changed much over time?
17. What powers does Article II of the Constitution give the President?
18. What responsibilities does the White House Office staff have? Evaluate their influence over the
President’s policy decisions?
19. Which agencies operate out of the Executive Office? How are these staffers different from those who
work at the White House?
20. What is the purpose of the OMB?
21. What is the job of the Cabinet?
22. What controversy exists over “acting” appointments?
23. Who must the President persuade? What challenges lie in persuading them?
24. What relationship exists between the President, his legislative agenda, his popularity and Congress?
25. Under what three circumstances does a bill become law?
26. How do President’s develop a program (or agenda)? Why do President’s leak or float program ideas?
27. What constraints impact agenda making?
28. What does the 25th Amendment require?
29. What is the process followed to try an impeached federal official?