Political Science 161

Questions for Bardes, et al, Chapter 11

 

 

1.     What would be the effects of having no executive privilege?

 

2.     What are the formal requirements for being President of the United States?  What are some of the informal requirements?  What happens if a President fails to capture a majority of the Electoral College?  Why is it difficult for a senator to become president?

 

3.     Briefly discuss the following roles: Head of State, Chief Executive, Commander in Chief, Chief Diplomat, Chief Legislator, Head of the Party, Leader of Public Opinion.

 

4.     What is a signing statement?  What is the importance of the War Powers Resolution?  What are the arguments for and against warrantless domestic surveillance?  Briefly discuss executive agreements.  What is a pocket veto?  What is a line item veto?  What is its present status?  About what percentage of presidential vetoes have been overridden?  What is the Washington Community?

 

5.     Discuss briefly the President’s emergency powers, executive orders, and executive privilege. Briefly discuss how impeachment of the President works. 

 

6.     How important to the President is the Cabinet?  What is a kitchen cabinet?  Who presently hold the offices of Attorney General, Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, and Secretary of the Treasury?  Briefly describe the Executive Office of the President and the White House Office.  Who is the Chief of Staff?  Describe the OMB, and the National Security Council.

 

7.     Briefly describe the Vice President’s job.  Describe the line of succession to the Presidency.  What are the major provisions of the 25th amendment?  What happens if the Vice Presidency becomes vacant?