Chapter 12 – The Presidency
Key Terms:
1. Divided
Government
2. Unified
Government
3. Honeymoon
Period
4. Representative
Democracy
5. Direct
Democracy
6. Pyramid
Structure
7. Circular
Structure
8. Ad Hoc
Structure
9. Perks
10. Cabinet
11. Veto Message
12. Pocket Veto
13. Line-Item Veto
14. Legislative Veto
15. Signing
Statement
16. Lame Duck
17. Impeachment
18. Gridlock
19. Electoral College
20. Bully Pulpit
21. 22nd Amendment
22. 25th Amendment
23. Gulf of Tonkin
Resolution
24. War Powers Act
25. Watergate
26. Chief of Staff
27. National
Security Council
28. Council of
Economic
Advisers
29. Office of
Management and
Budget
30. Executive Order
31. Executive
Privilege
32. Executive
Agreement
Questions:
1. Did the founders expect the presidency to be the most important political
institution? Explain.
2. How important is the president’s character in determining how he governs?
3. Should we abolish the electoral college?
4. Is it harder to govern during periods of divided government?
5. Describe the organization of the presidency.
6. Discuss the challenges presidents face in exercising the power to persuade their
various constituencies.
7. Describe the factors that affect the degree of success the president has in relations
with Congress.
8. Describe the role of the vice president and the problems associated with
presidential succession.
9. Discuss presidential ability in dealing with foreign and economic policy and
identify the functions of the various agencies that work with the president in these
areas.
10. Why is executive privilege a source of controversy?
11. How did FDR help establish the modern presidency?
12. Do you think the presidency has become too powerful an office?