multiple choice

CHAPTER 14

The Presidency 0MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS Ans: Page: Type:

B 369 Factual

10.

In a parliamentary system, the voters cannot choose a0. their members of parliament. b0. their prime minister. c0. between two or more parties. d0. whether to vote. e0. among competing candidates.

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D 369 Factual

20.

An obvious and important difference between a president and a prime minister is that the latter always has a0. interest group support. b0. support in the cabinet. c0. support in the military. d0. majority support in parliament. e0. executive powers.

Ans: Page: Type:

C 369 Conceptual

30.

If you are an ambitious member of the British Parliament, prudence will dictate that you a0. vigorously attack the policies of the other party. b0. remain independent and objective in your voting decisions. c0. avoid displeasing the leader of your party. d0. campaign actively for the prime minister’s direct reelection. e0. become a relentless critic of parliamentary procedure.

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A 370 Factual

40.

With substantial Democratic majorities in both houses of Congress, President Kennedy, during the last year of his presidency, was able to secure passage of ________ of his proposals. a0. only one-fourth b0. approximately one-half c0. approximately three-fourths d0. almost all e0. all

Ans: Page: Type:

C 370 Factual

50.

Of the twenty-four congressional or presidential elections between 1952 and 1996, ________ produced a divided government. a0. four b0. seven c0. fifteen d0. nineteen e0. none

Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

36

Chapter 14: The Presidency

Ans: Page: Type:

E 371 Conceptual

60.

The text cites the 1946 Marshall Plan and the Tax Reform Act of 1986 to illustrate that a0. unified governments rarely accomplish anything of note. b0. a divided government never could have produced them. c0. both were produced by a unified government. d0. one was produced by a unified government and one was produced by a divided government. e0. both were produced by divided governments.

Ans: Page: Type:

A 371 Conceptual

70.

The texts suggests “unified government” might be a0. something of a myth. b0. impossible in the American system of government. c0. possible only in a multi-party system. d0. the only way to implement significant legislation. e0. one way to ensure intelligent policy making.

Ans: Page: Type:

E 371 Factual

80.

Which of the following statements is incorrect? a0. Lyndon Johnson could not get many Democrats to support his war policy. b0. Jimmy Carter had a hard time getting Democrats to ratify his strategic arms limitation treaty. c0. Bill Clinton had difficulty getting Democrats to support his policy on gays in the military. d0. Bill Clinton had difficulty getting Democrats to support his health proposals. e0. None of the above.

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E 371 Factual

90.

“Unified government” may have been present when a0. Roosevelt was president, in 1933. b0. Johnson was president, in 1965. c0. Reagan was president, in 1980. d0. Reagan was president, in 1984. e0. a and b.

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D 372 Factual

100. The text observes that the delegates to the Constitutional Convention feared a0. monarchy more than anarchy. b0. anarchy more than monarchy. c0. neither monarchy nor anarchy. d0. monarchy and anarchy about equally. e0. monarchy and anarchy were actually no different.

Ans: Page: Type:

E 372 Factual

110. An aspect of George Washington’s personality that encouraged the delegates to the Constitutional Convention to approve an elected presidency was his a0. bravery in battle. b0. clairvoyance. c0. loyalty to his subordinates. d0. keen wit. e0. self-restraint.



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Ans: Page: Type:

D 372 Conceptual

120. If the Framers had decided to have the president chosen by the Congress, we could reasonably expect Congress to dominate the president a0. and to control the military. b0. and to pick the cabinet. c0. or the president to ignore Congress. d0. or the president to corrupt the legislature. e0. or the president to capitulate to the judiciary.

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B 372 Factual

130. One of the fears expressed by the Founders about aspects of the Presidency was the fear of a president’s a0. claiming certain inherent powers by virtue of his position. b0. using the militia to overpower state governments. c0. using his position to shape public opinion. d0. powers to appoint select Supreme Court justices without congressional approval. e0. powers to pardon.

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E 372 Factual

140. Alexander Hamilton stood at the Constitutional Convention and gave a five hour speech calling for a0. a plural executive. b0. an elected president. c0. an official declaration that George Washington would be the first president. d0. his own appointment as Chief Executive. e0. an elective monarchy.

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D 372 Factual

150. The cause of those who argued for a single, elected president at the convention was, no doubt, aided by the fact that a0. Alexander Hamilton had already declared himself a candidate. b0. Massachusetts had experienced great success under such a system. c0. The Articles of Confederation fostered deep respect for the office. d0. everybody assumed that George Washington would be the first president. e0. no individual was likely to be chosen as president who was not a member of the upper classes.

Ans: Page: Type:

B 372 Factual

160. One concern expressed at the Convention focused on the possibility that shared powers would cause the president to be a mere “tool” of a0. the House of Representatives. b0. the Senate. c0. the Supreme Court. d0. the Electoral College. e0. special interest groups.


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Ans: Page: Type:

B 373 Factual

170. When no candidate receives a majority of votes in the electoral college, the House of Representatives decides who will win a presidential election. This circumstance a0. has never occurred. b0. has occurred only twice. c0. occurs once every 28 to 36 years. d0. has occurred four times in this century. e0. occurs frequently when the country is at war.

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E 373 Factual

180. The first plan suggested at the Convention called for the president to be chosen by a0. state legislatures. b0. the Supreme Court. c0. popular election. d0. the Electoral College. e0. Congress.

Ans: Page: Type:

C 373 Factual

190. The second plan that was suggested at the Convention for the selection of the president called for selection by a0. state legislatures. b0. the Supreme Court. c0. direct vote of the people. d0. the Electoral College. e0. Congress.

Ans: Page: Type:

E 373 Factual

200. The Framers solved the problem of how to elect the president by a0. forming a quasi-parliamentary system of government. b0. providing for constitutional amendments. c0. forming the House Election Committee. d0. creating the Committee on Detail. e0. creating the Electoral College.

Ans: Page: Type:

A 373 Factual

210. Under the original provisions of the U.S. Constitution, the states were to choose presidential electors a0. however they wished. b0. by popular vote. c0. by vote of the legislature. d0. by appointment of the governor. e0. by rules designated in the courts.



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Ans: Page: Type:

C 373 Conceptual

220. The Framers assumed that, under the electoral college system, most presidential elections would be decided in the House. Why did this not turn out to be the case? a0. Because most elections were not close enough to give state delegations the power to decide the outcome b0. Because the first Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional the electoral college system for selecting a president c0. Because political parties ended up playing a major role in producing nationwide support for a slate of national candidates d0. Because the Senate quickly usurped the delegate powers of the House e0. Because the Supreme Court narrowly interpreted the powers of the legislative branch.

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B 373 Factual

230. Regarding terms of office, the pattern among most early presidents was to a0. serve one term and then leave office. b0. serve two terms and then leave office. c0. be defeated in seeking a second term of office. d0. serve three or more terms of office. e0. leave office after being elected to a third term.

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E 373 Factual

240. Presidents are now limited to two terms by the a0. Fourteenth Amendment. b0. Sixteenth Amendment. c0. Nineteenth Amendment. d0. Twenty-first Amendment. e0. Twenty-second Amendment.

Ans: Page: Type:

B 375 Conceptual

250. The legitimacy of the office of president was aided during the years of the first presidents by which of the following? a0. The limit placed on the number of terms a president could serve b0. The minimal role played by the early government c0. The rise in power of political caucuses d0. The close relationship that developed between the president and Congress e0. Narrow interpretations of the Constitution by the United States Supreme Court

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D 373 Factual

260. Which of the following statements is incorrect? a0. In order to win an election, a candidate must receive at least half of the votes of the electoral college. b0. Each state receives an electoral vote for each member it has in the House and the Senate. c0. In some states, electoral votes can be split. d0. State electors assemble in Washington to cast their ballots. e0. Electoral ballots are opened before a joint session of Congress during the first week in January.


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Ans: Page: Type:

A 373 Factual

270. Which of the following statements about elections thrown into the House of Representatives is incorrect? a0. The House chooses from among the top two candidates. b0. Each state casts one vote. c0. A state’s vote is given to the candidate preferred by the majority of the state’s House delegation. d0. If there is a tie within a state, that state’s vote is not counted. e0. This process is only used when no candidate receives a majority of the votes of the electoral college.

Ans: Page: Type:

A 375 Factual

280. The personality of which president began to alter the relationship between the president and Congress and the nature of presidential leadership? a0. Andrew Jackson b0. Ulysses Grant c0. Richard Nixon d0. Jimmy Carter e0. William H. Harrison

Ans: Page: Type:

C 375 Factual

290. Prior to the 1850s, the president who made the most vigorous use of the veto power was a0. George Washington. b0. Alexander Hamilton. c0. Andrew Jackson. d0. Abraham Lincoln. e0. John Adams.

Ans: Page: Type:

D 375 Factual

300. Andrew Jackson established the precedent that a president’s veto can be used a0. only on constitutional grounds. b0. without first having a law declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. c0. even when Congress is still in session. d0. on policy grounds even when a bill may appear to be constitutional. e0. without the advice and consent of the Senate.

Ans: Page: Type:

E 377-378 Conceptual

310. The era from 1836 to 1932 is commonly viewed as one of a0. presidential dominance. b0. a true balance of powers. c0. Supreme Court dominance. d0. presidential and Supreme Court dominance. e0. congressional dominance.

Ans: Page: Type:

C 378 Factual

320. President Lincoln justified his unprecedented use of the vague powers granted in Article II of the U.S. Constitution by citing a0. the debates of the Framers. b0. the platform of the Republican party. c0. the conditions created by civil war. d0. Marbury v. Madison. e0. the Declaration of Independence.



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Ans: Page: Type:

B 378 Conceptual

330. From the examples of Andrew Jackson and Abraham Lincoln, one learns that emergency conditions and ________ can offer presidents the opportunity for substantial increases in power. a0. a strong Congress b0. a popular and strong-willed personality c0. an uninterested public d0. majority support in the cabinet e0. a compliant Supreme Court

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B 378 Conceptual

340. When we say that a powerful presidency has been institutionalized, we mean that its power is no longer dependent on a0. Congress. b0. personality. c0. legitimacy. d0. the U.S. Constitution. e0. Executive Orders.

Ans: Page: Type:

A 379 Factual

350. All of the following are powers that only the president is constitutionally entitled to exercise except a0. appointing ambassadors. b0. serving as military commander-in-chief. c0. convening Congress in special sessions. d0. receiving ambassadors. e0. commission officers of the armed forces.

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B 379 Factual

360. The powers that the president shares with the Senate include a0. receiving ambassadors. b0. making treaties. c0. granting pardons for federal offenses. d0. wielding legislative power. e0. commission officers of the armed forces.

Ans: Page: Type:

E 379 Factual

370. Woodrow Wilson’s 1884 work on American politics suggested the business of the president was generally a0. nerve-racking. b0. high-impact. c0. unguided. d0. discretionary and critical. e0. routine and administrative.

Ans: Page: Type:

A 380 Factual

380. Grover Cleveland used federal troops to break a labor strike by invoking his power to a0. take care that the laws be faithfully executed. b0. prevent riots and insurrections. c0. serve as commander-in-chief. d0. oversee the executive branch. e0. facilitate First Amendment activity.


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Ans: Page: Type:

E 380 Conceptual

390. According to the text, the greatest source of presidential power lies in the realm of a0. the U.S. Constitution. b0. interpretation of laws. c0. the execution of laws. d0. foreign-policy formulation. e0. politics and public opinion.

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D 378 Factual

400. Until the 1930s, the pattern of U.S. legislation was that a0. little initiative was taken by the president or Congress. b0. initiative was taken by the president and Congress about equally. c0. initiative was taken by the president and responded to by Congress. d0. initiative was taken by Congress and responded to by the president. e0. initiative was taken by the president with the advice and consent of Congress.

Ans: Page: Type:

C 381 Factual

410. The rule of propinquity states that a0. power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. b0. power tends to be shared most evenly when leadership is weakest. c0. power tends to be wielded by the people who are in the room where a decision is made. d0. power is greatest when legitimacy is strongest. e0. power is rarely distinguishable from wealth and fame.

Ans: Page: Type:

A 381 Factual

420. The principal function of the White House Office is to a0. oversee the political and policy interests of the president. b0. administer federal departments as the president’s representative. c0. prepare the national budget for the president. d0. supervise the national security agencies, such as the CIA and FBI. e0. supervise military intelligence agencies.

Ans: Page: Type:

A 381 Factual

430. The Senate is required to confirm all of the following presidential nominations except a0. members of the White House Office. b0. the heads of Executive Office agencies. c0. the heads of cabinet departments. d0. lower federal court judges. e0. Supreme Court justices.



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Ans: Page: Type:

B 381 Factual

440. According to the text, the three methods by which a president can organize his personal staff are a0. intuitive, pyramid, and circular. b0. pyramid, circular, and ad hoc. c0. circular, ad hoc, and intuitive. d0. ad hoc, intuitive, and pyramid. e0. circular, tubular, and linear.

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B 382 Conceptual

450. The method of staff organization that poses the risk of isolating or misinforming the president is called a0. intuitive. b0. pyramid. c0. circular. d0. ad hoc. e0. linear.

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E 383 Conceptual

460. President Clinton’s use of task forces, committees, and informal groups of friends and advisers is characteristic of which method of staff organization? a0. Intuitive b0. Pyramid c0. Circular d0. Tubular e0. Ad hoc

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B 383 Conceptual

470. When President Reagan appointed a chief of staff in 1985, he was acting according to what model of organization? a0. Circular b0. Pyramidal c0. Ad hoc d0. Intuitive e0. Linear

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C 383 Factual

480. With respect to advice, most presidents discover that it is best to a0. adopt an ad hoc structure among staff. b0. be a kind of wheel hub for numerous assistants (spokes). c0. rely heavily on one or two key subordinates. d0. allow high levels of access for all who are interested in having the president’s ear. e0. seek out the advice of most cabinet members.

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A 383 Factual

490. Today, senior White House staff members are drawn from the ranks of a0. the president’s campaign staff. b0. Ivy league colleges and universities. c0. the nation’s top law schools. d0. Congress. e0. the Department of Justice.


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Ans: Page: Type:

B 383 Factual

500. The most important agency in the Executive Office of the President in terms of providing administrative assistance is the a0. Council of Economic Advisers (CEA). b0. Office of Management and Budget (OMB). c0. Office of Technology Assessment (OTA). d0. Office of Environmental Quality (OEQ). e0. Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (OUSTR).

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E 384 Factual

510. Which of the following statements about the collegial nature of deliberations at cabinet meetings is true? a0. It has been consistent throughout most of its history. b0. It is increasingly important, but only when discussions are related to economic issues. c0. It is more important now than it originally was. d0. It was more important originally than it is now. e0. It is largely a fiction.

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C 384 Factual

520. The seating order at cabinet meetings most accurately reflects a0. the importance of each department represented. b0. the political closeness of each secretary to the president. c0. the age of the department. d0. a spirit of openness and equality. e0. the seniority of the individuals in each department.

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A 384 Factual

530. The cabinet officers consist of the heads of a0. the major executive departments. b0. the major governmental agencies and commissions. c0. the major governmental agencies. d0. independent agencies and commissions. e0. the minor governmental agencies.

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E 384 Factual

540. One reason a president has relatively little power over his cabinet departments is because he a0. cannot appoint their heads. b0. requires Senate approval of his choices for heads of these departments. c0. must share power with the judicial branch of government. d0. must share power with the legislative branch of government. e0. cannot appoint more than a fraction of their employees.

Ans: Page: Type:

C 384-385 Factual

550. The main reason the cabinet is a weak entity is that a0. the secretaries are inherently jealous of one another. b0. not all agencies are members of the cabinet. c0. the secretaries defend, explain, and enlarge their own agencies. d0. they are all personal friends of the president. e0. tubular organizations schemes inevitably cloud the ability of members to communicate effectively.



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Ans: Page: Type:

E 385 Conceptual

560. What distinguishes executive and independent agencies? a0. Where they are located b0. Whether they report to Congress c0. How they are funded d0. The number of their employees e0. The distinction is not altogether clear

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A 386 Factual

570. The prior work experience of presidential appointees to the executive branch is most likely to include a0. some federal agency. b0. private corporations. c0. foundations. d0. labor unions. e0. judicial experience.

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D 386 Conceptual

580. Richard Neustadt used the label “in and outers” for a0. Congressmen who inconsistently supported the president. b0. members of the cabinet who resigned before the end of the term. c0. presidential staff members without experience in government. d0. persons who alternated between government and private sector jobs. e0. bureaucrats who changed party identification with some frequency.

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E 386 Conceptual

590. The “in and outer” problem is not so much of a problem in parliamentary systems because cabinet officers a0. come from the legislature. b0. are career employees in the private sector. c0. are party members. d0. are typically full-time career politicians. e0. a and d.

Ans: Page: Type:

C 386-387 Factual

600. A trend in recent cabinet appointments has been to a0. include those with independent followings. b0. appoint both Democrats and Republicans. c0. include those without political followings. d0. appoint party leaders and workers. e0. appoint former judges and lawyers.

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D 387 Factual

610. Relationships between White House staff and department heads are typically characterized by a0. the revolving door. b0. teamwork. c0. mutual noninterference. d0. tension and rivalry. e0. reciprocity.


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Ans: Page: Type:

C 388 Conceptual

620. Personality plays a more important role in explaining the presidency than it does in explaining Congress because a president is a0. more likely to rely on hands-on politics and persuasiveness to enact policy. b0. less constrained by the rules and roles that operate within government. c0. more likely to be judged by his character in addition to his accomplishments. d0. relatively immune from public opinion and polls. e0. less constrained by the judiciary or current notions of constitutional principles.

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B 388 Conceptual

630. The presidential character of Lyndon Johnson was characterized by a0. the use of talented amateurs. b0. persuasion in face-to-face encounters. c0. careful and complete staff work. d0. deep suspicion of the media. e0. bargaining and impersonal communications.

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D 388 Conceptual

640. The presidential character of Richard Nixon was characterized by a0. the use of talented amateurs. b0. persuasion in face-to-face encounters. c0. careful and complete staff work. d0. deep suspicion of the media. e0. professional competence and experience.

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D 389 Conceptual

650. The presidential character of Ronald Reagan was characterized by a0. the use of talented amateurs. b0. give-and-take, discussion-oriented procedures. c0. voracious reading on very detailed matters. d0. giving wide latitude to subordinates. e0. expertise and experience.

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D 390 Conceptual

660. Presidents need to rely on their powers of persuasion because of their a0. limited staffs and sketchy constitutional powers. b0. opponents within the party. c0. lack of ensured legislative majorities and opponents within the party. d0. sketchy constitutional powers and lack of ensured legislative majorities. e0. limited staffs.

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A 390 Conceptual

670. The presidential audiences listed by Neustadt include all of the following except a0. heads of state from around the world. b0. fellow politicians in Washington. c0. party activists and officeholders outside Washington. d0. the public. e0. leaders in Washington.



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Ans: Page: Type:

A 390 Conceptual

680. When President Franklin Roosevelt gave the impression of selfconfidence and being on top of things, the audience that was most likely to perceive him as effective comprised a0. fellow politicians and leaders. b0. partisan activists at the state levels. c0. the general public. d0. the media. e0. partisan activists at the local levels.

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C 390 Conceptual

690. When a president makes fire-and-brimstone speeches confirming a shared sense of purpose, he is appealing principally to a0. fellow politicians. b0. the media. c0. partisan activists at the state and local levels. d0. the general public. e0. fellow leaders.

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D 390 Conceptual

700. When a presidential candidate talks on the campaign trail of the many good things that he would accomplish as president, he is appealing principally to a0. fellow leaders. b0. the media. c0. partisan activists at the state and local levels. d0. the general public. e0. fellow politicians.

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C 390-391 Conceptual

710. Although Republicans gained seats in the House in 1980 and 1984, political scientists are reluctant to conclude that the gains were due to presidential coattails because a0. so many Republican candidates opposed Reagan and his conservative ideology. b0. Reagan had sought to punish so many disloyal Republican candidates. c0. congressional elections are frequently insulated from presidential elections. d0. Reagan had rejected the Republican platform on which so many Republican candidates were running. e0. All of the above.

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E 391 Factual

720. Which of the following statements concerning recent party gains and losses in the House and Senate is incorrect? a0. The Republicans lost seats in the House in 2000. b0. The Republicans lost seats in the Senate in 2000. c0. The Republicans gained seats in the House in 2004. d0. The Republicans gained seats in the Senate in 2004. e0. None of the above.


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Ans: Page: Type:

E 392 Factual

730. Which of the following statements is incorrect? a0. George Bush entered office with an approval rating similar to the initial rating of Bill Clinton. b0. Bush had the highest disapproval rating of any president since such polling began. c0. Bush’s approval ratings for the first six months were quite typical of post 1960 presidents. d0. Bush received the highest approval rating ever recorded in the aftermath of the attack of September 11. e0. None of the above.

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B 392 Factual

740. From the time of winning office to the time of leaving it, the popularity of most recent presidents a0. decreased steadily. b0. decreased except at election time. c0. increased steadily. d0. increased except at election time. e0. reveals no systematic trends and is impervious to elections and campaigns.

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D 391 Factual

750. Members of Congress pay attention to the personal popularity of a president because a0. the president may be called on to campaign for them. b0. the president may campaign against them in a primary. c0. many members of Congress have aspirations to the presidency. d0. politicians tend to rise and fall together. e0. interest group contributions often depend on perceptions of proximity with popular presidents.

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B 391 Conceptual

760. How successful a president is with legislation in Congress is difficult to gauge because a0. he never reveals his position on non-controversial bills. b0. he can keep his victory score high by not taking a position on any controversial measure. c0. he does not have the power to veto bills of Congress. d0. he does not have the ability to show his approval or disapproval, since he must not sign bills before they can become law. e0. he can never overcome the influence of interest group money on congressional votes.

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B 394 Factual

770. The classic example of the honeymoon phenomenon was a0. Harry Truman. b0. Franklin Roosevelt. c0. Richard Nixon. d0. Gerald Ford. e0. Bill Clinton.



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Ans: Page: Type:

D 394 Factual

780. Veto power and executive privilege give a president both a way of blocking action and a a0. route of appeal to the people. b0. means of affecting the party platform. c0. trump card to play with the media. d0. means of forcing Congress to bargain. e0. means of overriding the influence of special interests.

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A 394-395 Conceptual

790. If by December 30 the president does not sign a bill that was sent to him by Congress on December 24, he has probably a0. used his pocket veto. b0. vetoed it. c0. let it become law without his signature. d0. tabled it. e0. amended it.

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C 394-395 Conceptual

800. A bill is passed to the president for action while Congress is still in session. After ten days he has still not approved it. What happens to the bill? a0. It is returned to Congress. b0. It is vetoed. c0. It becomes law. d0. Nothing. The president has thirty days to act on a bill. e0. Nothing. The president has ninety days to act on a bill.

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E 395 Factual

810. When President Reagan was governor of California, he could veto portions of a bill that were irrelevant to the subject of the bill. He was exercising what is called a0. constitutional discretion. b0. a pocket veto. c0. states’ rights. d0. gubernatorial averaging. e0. a line-item veto.

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A 395 Factual

820. More than 2,500 presidential vetoes have been made since 1789. Congress has overridden about what percent of these? a0. 4 percent b0. 25 percent c0. 38 percent d0. 45 percent e0. 86 percent

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E 396 Factual

830. The presidential claims for executive privilege are based on the separation of powers and on a0. the U.S. Constitution. b0. the need for cooperation with Congress. c0. international law. d0. Marbury v. Madison. e0. the need for candid advice from aides.


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C 396 Factual

840. United States v. Nixon held that there is a0. no executive privilege. b0. absolute presidential immunity from judicial process. c0. no unqualified presidential privilege of immunity from judicial process. d0. real but limited presidential immunity from judicial process. e0. presidential immunity does not apply to matters which are civil in nature.

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B 396 Factual

850. The result of the Supreme Court’s ruling in United States v. Nixon was that a0. Nixon was allowed to retain the disputed tapes and papers. b0. Nixon was forced to hand over the disputed tapes and papers. c0. Congress was forced to impeach Nixon to gain access to the disputed tapes and papers. d0. Congress was allowed to take custody of the disputed tapes and papers under judicial review. e0. None of the above.

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E 396 Factual

860. On the issue of a president’s right to impound funds, the U.S. Constitution says a0. that a president must spend the money that Congress appropriates. b0. that a president does not have to spend money that Congress appropriates. c0. that a president may spend money that Congress does not appropriate. d0. that a president may spend money that Congress does not appropriate if congressional leaders support such expenditures. e0. nothing.

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C 396 Factual

870. The major test of presidential power with respect to impoundment of funds came in the administration of a0. Lyndon Johnson. b0. John F. Kennedy. c0. Richard Nixon. d0. Gerald Ford. e0. Harry Truman.

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B 397 Factual

880. Presidential impoundment of funds has been severely limited in recent years because of a0. a string of unfavorable court decisions. b0. the Budget Reform Act of 1974. c0. public outrage. d0. the opposition of the federal bureaucracy. e0. restructuring of the Internal Revenue Service.



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A 397 Factual

890. President Clinton’s approach to his program was to a0. have a policy on almost everything. b0. rely heavily on his predecessor’s program. c0. concentrate on only a few issues at a time. d0. rely on his cabinet and other advisers. e0. rely on congressional leaders.

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C 397 Factual

900. President Reagan’s approach to his program was to a0. have a policy on almost everything. b0. rely heavily on his predecessor’s program. c0. concentrate on only a few issues at a time. d0. rely on his cabinet. e0. rely on congressional leaders.

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B 397 Factual

910. A president who is uncertain whether a policy he is considering will be controversial would be most likely to a0. shift the decision to state leaders. b0. leak parts of the policy to the media. c0. commission a public-opinion poll. d0. ask opposition leaders for advice. e0. shift the decision to local leaders.

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D 398 Factual

920. One major constraint on a president’s ability to plan and develop a program is the a0. lack of qualified academic support. b0. Twenty-third Amendment. c0. threat of a legislative veto. d0. limit of his or her time and attention span. e0. proliferation of special interests.

Ans: Page: Type:

E 398 Factual

930. The typical workweek for a president numbers approximately a0. 40 hours. b0. 55 hours. c0. 70 hours. d0. 75 hours. e0. 90 hours.

Ans: Page: Type:

C 398 Factual

940. One of the crises the Clinton administration faced was a0. civil war in Nicaragua. b0. the dissolution of the Soviet Union. c0. continuing war in Bosnia and other parts of Yugoslavia. d0. student rebellion in China. e0. the Iran-contra crisis.


52


Ans: Page: Type:

A 399 Conceptual

950. The approach taken by most presidents in dealing with the constraints that are placed on their planning and developing a program is to a0. stick to a few key programs. b0. delegate minor programs to states. c0. delegate minor programs to communities. d0. push for many programs simultaneously, expecting a few to succeed. e0. rely on rhetoric and personal friendships.

Ans: Page: Type:

E 399 Factual

960. In recent decades, the two key issues that presidents have focused on in planning and developing new programs have been a0. military spending and social-welfare programs. b0. inflation and the environment. c0. military spending and the environment. d0. taxes and the federal budget deficit. e0. the economy and foreign affairs.

Ans: Page: Type:

D 399 Factual

970. Almost every president since Hoover has tried to a0. increase the size of the federal government. b0. decrease the size of the military. c0. decrease the size of the federal government. d0. reorganize the executive branch. e0. increase the size of the press corps.

Ans: Page: Type:

C 400 Factual

980. Which of the following statements about the legislative veto is correct? a0. It is an effective tool for preventing a president from reorganizing an agency or department. b0. It was used by Congress for the first time during the Nixon administration. c0. It was ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 1983. d0. It is sometimes used in place of a regular law to reorganize an agency or department. e0. It is usually employed when there is a sense that courts will review a decision.

Ans: Page: Type:

E 400 Factual

990. Every president since Harry Truman has commented that the power of the presidency a0. needs to be limited in the defense of freedom. b0. is flexible, but always adequate to the task at hand. c0. needs to be expanded in the interest of freedom. d0. is greater than it appears to be from the outside. e0. looks greater from the outside than from the inside.



53

Ans: Page: Type:

A 401 Factual

1000. Which of the following statements about a president’s serving more than two terms is correct? a0. It has been done by only one president. b0. It is neither prohibited nor encouraged by the U.S. Constitution. c0. It is illegal under Article II of the U.S. Constitution. d0. It has never been done by a president. e0. It has been ruled unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Ans: Page: Type:

D 401 Factual

1010. ________ U.S. presidents have been assassinated while in office. a0. One b0. Two c0. Three d0. Four e0. Ten

Ans: Page: Type:

E 401 Factual

1020. Which of the following is true about presidential elections during times when the country is deeply divided? a0. A president has the best chance for reelection. b0. Voter apathy is at its highest. c0. Voters tend to ignore issues which are national in character. d0. Voters tend to become preoccupied with local elections. e0. A president seldom wins reelection.

Ans: Page: Type:

C 401 Factual

1030. Which of the following statements about the vice-presidential route to the presidency is correct? a0. It has hardly ever been a viable one. b0. It works better through election than succession. c0. It works better through succession than election. d0. It has been a viable one for most vice presidents. e0. It has always been contested by party leaders and outspoken members of the judiciary.

Ans: Page: Type:

C 402 Factual

1040. The constitutional duty of the vice president is to a0. preside over the cabinet. b0. coordinate foreign policy. c0. preside over the Senate. d0. supervise the White House staff. e0. facilitate ratification of treaties.

Ans: Page: Type:

A 402 Factual

1050. Who succeeds to the presidency if both the president and vice president die? a0. The Speaker of the House b0. The secretary of state c0. The most senior cabinet officer d0. The Senate majority leader e0. The Senate minority leader


54


Ans: Page: Type:

A 402 Factual

1060. Who succeeds to the presidency if both the president, the vice president, and the Speaker of the House die? a0. The Senate president pro tempore b0. The secretary of state c0. The most senior cabinet officer d0. The Senate majority leader e0. The Senate minority leader

Ans: Page: Type:

C 402 Factual

1070. The position of “acting president” was created by a0. an act of Congress. b0. executive reorganization. c0. the Twenty-fifth Amendment. d0. the original U.S. Constitution. e0. an Executive Order.

Ans: Page: Type:

D 402 Conceptual

1080. When President Reagan was under anesthesia while being operated on in 1985, the relationship between him and Vice President Bush was governed by the a0. Succession Act of 1886. b0. Succession Act of 1947. c0. Twenty-second Amendment. d0. Twenty-fifth Amendment. e0. None of the above.

Ans: Page: Type:

C 402 Conceptual

1090. A president suffers a stroke but nevertheless wants to remain in office. The vice president and cabinet disagree. Who decides whether the president should continue to serve? a0. The president b0. The vice president and cabinet c0. Congress d0. The Supreme Court e0. A writ of mandamus

Ans: Page: Type:

B 402 Conceptual

1100. A president suffers a stroke but nevertheless wants to remain in office. The vice president and cabinet disagree. The president may be removed by a0. impeachment. b0. a two-thirds vote of Congress. c0. a Supreme Court ruling. d0. the combined opinions of the vice president and cabinet. e0. a writ of mandamus.

Ans: Page: Type:

A 402 Factual

1110. Upon the death or incapacitation of a president and the succession of the vice president, a new vice president is chosen by a0. the new president with congressional approval. b0. Congress. c0. popular election. d0. the Speaker of the House. e0. the Supreme Court.



55

Ans: Page: Type:

E 403 Factual

1120. The objects of impeachment have most frequently been a0. cabinet members. b0. federal bureaucrats. c0. presidents. d0. state governors. e0. federal judges.

Ans: Page: Type:

B 403 Factual

1130. An impeached president is always a0. removed from office by the Senate. b0. indicted by the House. c0. removed from office by the House. d0. removed from office by House leaders. e0. indicted by the Senate.

Ans: Page: Type:

A 403 Factual

1140. ________ decide(s) whether a president should be impeached. a0. The House b0. The Senate c0. Both houses of Congress d0. The Supreme Court e0. The Senate Judicial Committee

Ans: Page: Type:

C 403 Factual

1150. ________ decide(s) whether to remove the president from office following an impeachment trial. a0. The Joint Judiciary Committee b0. The House c0. The Senate d0. The Supreme Court e0. The Senate Judicial Committee

Ans: Page: Type:

E 404 Conceptual

1160. When Gerald Ford pardoned Richard Nixon for his role in Watergate, it meant that Nixon a0. could not be impeached for any crime he may have committed while in office. b0. could not have committed any offenses that were actually punishable. c0. could be impeached but not convicted for any crime he may have committed while in office. d0. was innocent of any crime he may have committed while in office. e0. could not be prosecuted under federal law for any crime he may have committed while in office.

Ans: Page: Type:

E 403-404 Factual

1170. Which of the following statements about President Clinton’s impeachment is incorrect? a0. The Senate did not convict Clinton. b0. Clinton was charged with perjury, obstruction of justice, and abuse of power. c0. A majority of the Senate voted to convict. d0. Clinton was accused of making false written statement to the Judiciary Committee. e0. None of the above.


56


Ans: Page: Type:

D 403-404 Conceptual

1180. Bill Clinton survived his impeachment trial for all of the following reasons except: a0. The public disliked his private behavior but did not think it amounted to an impeachable offense. b0. The economy was strong. c0. The nation was at peace. d0. Clinton was a left-wing Democrat. e0. b and c.

Ans: Page: Type:

E 401 Factual

1190. The fundamental concern in defining the presidential succession is to a0. find a qualified successor. b0. curb judicial powers. c0. prevent anarchy. d0. curb legislative powers. e0. ensure the legitimacy of the office.

Ans: Page: Type:

B 406 Conceptual

1200. Concerning the powers of the executive and legislative branches of government, the text concludes that a0. both have become more powerful. b0. both have become more constrained. c0. only the presidency has become more powerful. d0. only Congress has become more powerful. e0. there has been little significant change across the nation’s history.

Ans: Page: Type:

B 406 Factual

1210. Which of the following would not be a good rule of thumb for a newly elected president? a0. Move to implement programs quickly. b0. Avoid dealing with interest groups. c0. Avoid getting involved in too many details. d0. Rely on capable aides. e0. Do not rely on the cabinet.

TRUE/FALSE QUESTIONS Ans: Page:

True 369

1220. T

F

Under a parliamentary system, voters can choose a member of parliament but not the chief executive.

Ans: Page:

True 369

1230. T

F

In sharp contrast to presidents, prime ministers are usually political insiders.

Ans: Page:

False 370

1240. T

F

A major difference between the parliamentary and presidential systems is that the president can generally be assured of a majority in the legislature.

Ans: Page:

False 370

1250. T

F

Gridlock is a necessary consequence of a system of direct democracy.



57

Ans: Page:

True 371

1260. T

F

True unified government is achieved only when the same ideological wing of the same party is in control of both branches of government.

Ans: Page:

True 370

1270. T

F

Americans say they don’t like divided government.

Ans: Page:

True 370-371

1280. T

F

Presidential candidates frequently bemoan divided government.

Ans: Page:

False 371

1290. T

F

Scholarly research suggests divided government reduces the likelihood that substantive legislation will be passed.

Ans: Page:

True 371

1300. T

F

Unified government probably requires the dominance of both branches by the same ideological wing of a party.

Ans: Page:

False 371

1310. T

F

The Reagan administration featured unified government.

Ans: Page:

True 372

1320. T

F

Gridlock is probably the necessary consequence of representative government.

Ans: Page:

True 372

1330. T

F

At the time of the Constitutional Convention, many of the states had governors chosen by their legislatures.

Ans: Page:

True 372

1340. T

F

Some of the Framers proposed a plural national executive.

Ans: Page:

False 372

1350. T

F

George Washington stood at the Convention and called for something like an elective monarchy.

Ans: Page:

True 372

1360. T

F

The question of presidential reelection was a major issue at the Constitutional Convention.

Ans: Page:

True 372

1370. T

F

The Framers thought that most presidential elections would be decided in the House.

Ans: Page:

False 373

1380. T

F

In the electoral college, voters decide how electors are chosen.

Ans: Page:

True 373

1390. T

F

Probably the best strategy for capturing the vote of the electoral college is to win the ten largest states.

Ans: Page:

False 373

1400. T

F

George Washington established the practice of the president serving a four-year term rather than a two-year term.


58


Ans: Page:

True 373

1410. T

F

The Twenty-second Amendment set a limit of two terms for the presidency.

Ans: Page:

True 374

1420. T

F

Early presidencies were marked by minimal government activism and by the appointment of men of stature.

Ans: Page:

True 374

1430. T

F

George Washington spoke out against political parties.

Ans: Page:

True 375

1440. T

F

Washington traveled widely so people could see the new president.

Ans: Page:

False 375

1450. T

F

Washington’s relationship with Congress was close and positive.

Ans: Page:

False 375

1460. T

F

Presidential power was greatly expanded under George Washington.

Ans: Page:

True 375

1470. T

F

Andrew Jackson sought to maximize the powers of the presidency.

Ans: Page:

True 375

1480. T

F

Andrew Jackson's administration was marked by the vigorous use of the veto for policy reasons.

Ans: Page:

True 378

1490. T

F

Abraham Lincoln received less than 40 percent of the popular vote in the election of 1860.

Ans: Page:

False 378

1500. T

F

Lincoln supported the Mexican War and praised Andrew Jackson’s use of executive power.

Ans: Page:

True 378

1510. T

F

Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation without prior congressional approval.

Ans: Page:

True 378

1520. T

F

Lincoln blockaded Southern ports and suspended habeas corpus without prior congressional approval.

Ans: Page:

False 379

1530. T

F

The president can grant pardons in cases involving impeachment.

Ans: Page: Ans: Page:

True 379 False 379

1540. T

F

The president can convene Congress in special sessions.

1550. T

F

The president shares the treaty-making power with the House of Representatives.

Ans: Page:

True 380

1560. T

F

The greatest source of presidential power is found in politics and public opinion.

Ans: Page:

False 380

1570. T

F

The president has a salary of around $800,000 per year.



59

Ans: Page:

True 380

1580. T

F

In order to qualify for the presidency, an individual must be a resident of the United States for at least fourteen years.

Ans: Page:

True 381

1590. T

F

In general, power is wielded by people who are in the room where a decision is made.

Ans: Page:

True 381

1600. T

F

The titles held by White House aides often fail to indicate the extent of their real powers.

Ans: Page:

True 382

1610. T

F

The circular method of organizing the White House staff has the virtue of giving the president a great deal of information.

Ans: Page:

True 381

1620. T

F

President Franklin Roosevelt alternated different methods of staff organization for different kinds of policy issues.

Ans: Page:

False 382

1630. T

F

The ad hoc method of staff organization helps keep the president in close contact with government officials who are ultimately responsible for administrative action.

Ans: Page:

False 383

1640. T

F

Most members of a president's White House staff are policy experts.

Ans: Page:

False 383

1650. T

F

The most important agency within the Executive Office is the cabinet.

Ans: Page:

True 384

1660. T

F

Heads of agencies in the Executive Office are presidential appointees.

Ans: Page:

False 383

1670. T

F

Appointments to the heads of agencies in the Executive Office do not require Senate approval.

Ans: Page:

True 384

1680. T

F

The presidential cabinet is usually relatively unimportant in formulating administration programs.

Ans: Page:

True 384

1690. T

F

The president appoints more members of his cabinet departments than the British prime minister.

Ans: Page:

False 384

1700. T

F

The major responsibility of a cabinet department head is to advise the president on policy issues.


60


Ans: Page:

True 385

1710. T

F

The abundance of political appointments gives the president lots of opportunities to reward friends and political supporters.

Ans: Page:

True 385

1720. T

F

The president can appoint federal judges, subject to Senate approval.

Ans: Page:

True 386

1730. T

F

Most presidential appointees have had prior experience in the federal government.

Ans: Page:

False 386-387

1740. T

F

The text suggests presidents, today, are more likely to desire a party leader than an “expert” in the cabinet.

Ans: Page:

True 387

1750. T

F

A president needs to consider important interest groups when making government appointments.

Ans: Page:

True 390

1760. T

F

The general public is not usually the most important audience that the president addresses.

Ans: Page:

True 390

1770. T

F

Most recent presidents have preferred radio and television addresses to news conferences.

Ans: Page:

True 390

1780. T

F

Presidents typically lack the power to threaten recalcitrant members of Congress with defeat at the polls.

Ans: Page:

True 391

1790. T

F

A president can keep his victory score with Congress high by not taking a position on any controversial measure.

Ans: Page:

True 392

1800. T

F

The popularity of a president immediately after being sworn in seems inevitably to decline by the midterm elections.

Ans: Page:

True 394

1810. T

F

The pocket veto comes into play only when Congress has adjourned.

Ans: Page:

True 395

1820. T

F

Few presidential vetoes are ever overridden by Congress.

Ans: Page:

True 396

1830. T

F

In United States v. Nixon, the Supreme Court rejected Nixon’s claim of absolute executive privilege.



61

Ans: Page:

True 396

1840. T

F

The ability of the president to speak in confidence has been greatly restricted as a result of recent federal court rulings limiting the number around him to claim executive privilege.

Ans: Page:

True 397

1850. T

F

The Budget Reform Act of 1974 requiring the president to spend appropriated funds may actually be unconstitutional because it contains provisions for a legislative veto.

Ans: Page:

True 397

1860. T

F

Recent presidents have been expected to have a policy for almost every group and every problem.

Ans: Page:

True 399

1870. T

F

Few presidents are able to concentrate sufficiently on all the programs of their administration.

Ans: Page:

True 398

1880. T

F

Most federal programs can be changed only marginally, even if a president wants changes.

Ans: Page:

False 397-398

1890. T

F

Presidents rarely rely on opinion polls to determine what policies to emphasize while in office.

Ans: Page:

False 399

1900. T

F

When presidents act on the basis of what they believe their constituents want, they are taking the delegate approach.

Ans: Page:

True 399

1910. T

F

George W. Bush ran as a candidate interested in domestic affairs and with little background in foreign affairs.

Ans: Page:

False 399

1920. T

F

Presidents rarely attempt to reorganize the executive branch of the federal government.

Ans: Page:

False 399-400

1930. T

F

President Bush’s creation of the Department of Homeland Security represented the largest reorganization effort made by a sitting president.

Ans: Page:

False 400

1940. T

F

Changing an agency through reorganization is more difficult than through abolishing a program or passing a new law.

Ans: Page:

True 400

1950. T

F

A president’s reorganization of the Executive Office can occur only in consultation with Congress.

Ans: Page:

False 400

1960. T

F

The legislative veto is an effective tool for forcing a president to deal with Congress on matters of agency reorganization.


62


Ans: Page:

True 400

1970. T

F

The legislative veto was ruled unconstitutional in 1983.

Ans: Page:

True 401

1980. T

F

Most vice presidents have fared poorly when subsequently running for the presidency.

Ans: Page:

True 401

1990. T

F

John Tyler defined the powers of a vice president succeeding a president who dies in office.

Ans: Page:

True 401

2000. T

F

The only official task of a vice president is to preside over the Senate and to vote in case of a tie.

Ans: Page:

False 402

2010. T

F

The secretary of state becomes president if both the president and vice president die in office.

Ans: Page:

True 402

2020. T

F

Under the Twenty-fifth Amendment, a vice president becomes acting president if a president in office is disabled.

Ans: Page:

False 402

2030. T

F

The Supreme Court rules whether a disabled president should continue to serve in office.

Ans: Page:

True 403

2040. T

F

Both elected and civil-service officials of the federal government can be removed from office via impeachment.

Ans: Page:

True 403

2050. T

F

Impeachment does not necessarily mean guilt.

Ans: Page:

False 403

2060. T

F

Only one president in U.S. history, Andrew Johnson, was actually impeached.

Ans: Page:

True 403

2070. T

F

While the impeachment case against Andrew Johnson was entirely political, the one against Bill Clinton was more serious.

Ans: Page:

True 404

2080. T

F

One of the side effects of the Clinton impeachment episode was the death of the law creating the Office of the Independent Counsel.

Ans: Page:

True 403

2090. T

F

A majority of the Senate voted to convict Clinton during his impeachment.

Ans: Page:

True 406

2100. T

F

Many critics of the Constitution believed in 1787 that peaceful succession would not take place in the presidency.



Ans: Page:

True 406

2110. T

F

63

A major reason Congress and the president seem less able to control events than they used to be able to do is the complexity of the issues that have evolved since the 1930s.

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS 2120. What are the differences between the U.S. president and prime ministers in terms of identity and powers of the chief executive? Answer a0.

President often an outsider

b0.

President chooses cabinet members outside Congress

c0.

President has no guaranteed majority in the legislature

d0.

Even when one party controls the White House and Congress, the two branches often work at cross purposes

Pages: 368-370 2130. Discuss the concerns that the Framers had about the presidency. Answer a0.

Avoidance of anarchy and monarchy: fear of presidential domination of Congress and of congressional domination of the president; presidential reelection; concern that large, populous states would dominate in a direct popular election

Pages: 372-374 2140. Explain the three ways a president can organize his or her personal staff. Answer a0.

Pyramid: most aides report through a hierarchy to a chief of staff

b0.

Circular: cabinet secretaries and aides report directly to president

c0.

Ad hoc: task forces and committees deal directly with president

Page: 381 2150. Why does the president have only limited power over cabinet secretaries, making the cabinet a weak entity? Answer a0.

President cannot appoint many departmental employees

b0.

Secretaries head vast organizations that they defend, explain, and enlarge

Pages: 384-385


64


2160. List some of the aspects of the presidential character of any three presidents from Eisenhower to Clinton. Discuss how these personality traits affected each administration. Answer a0.

Eisenhower: orderly, careful staff work

b0.

Kennedy: improviser, talented amateurs

c0.

Johnson: wheeler-dealer, arm-twister

d0.

Nixon: mistrustful of media, hierarchical

e0.

Ford: genial, relaxed in personal dealings

f0.Carter: Washington outsider, micromanager g0.

Reagan: communicator rather than administrator

h0.

Bush: extensive experience, make decisions on basis of personal contacts

i0. Clinton: attention to detail, ad hoc organization Pages: 388-389 2170. Summarize what we know about presidential popularity. What impact does it have on congressional races and the president’s program? What affects approval ratings and what general trends have been noticeable across previous terms? Answer a0.

Popular support for the president does not translate into support for a member of Congress

b0.

Popularity may have an impact on how much of his program passes

c0.

Popularity is difficult to predict and affected by things beyond the president’s control

d0.

Popularity tends to be high right after the election but declines throughout the term (translating into the need to accomplish important goals early)

Pages: 390-394 2180. Explain the veto process and the various types of vetoes. Be careful to also explain what happens when legislation is not signed by the president. Explain a0.

Veto messages: statement sent to Congress within 10 days after bill has been passed, explains the president’s reasons

b0.

Pocket veto: president does not sign bill within 10 days and Congress has adjourned (a bill not signed within 10 days while Congress is in session becomes law without the president’s signature)

c0.

Vetoes can be passed over by a two-thirds vote of each house

d0.

Bills that have been pocket vetoed cannot be brought back to life or carried over to the next Congress

Pages: 394-396



65

2190. On what two grounds have presidents based their power of executive privilege? Did the Supreme Court agree? Answer a0.

Separation of powers: one branch does not have the right to inquire into the internal workings of another

b0.

Principles of statecraft and prudent administration require presidents having the right to obtain confidential and candid advice

c0.

U.S. v. Nixon (1973): Supreme Court recognized a basis for this privilege in the area of sensitive or diplomatic matters but not an absolute privilege.

Page: 396 2200. What are the provisions of the Twenty-fifth Amendment? Answer a0.

Disability: vice president serves as acting president whenever the president declares himself unable to discharge duties or whenever the vice president and a majority of the cabinet declare the president incapacitated.

b0.

If the president disagrees with the opinion of the vice president and cabinet, Congress decides. A twothirds vote is needed to confirm the president unable to serve.

c0.

Vice presidential vacancy: president nominates new vice president if office is vacant, subject to confirmation by both houses.

Page: 402

ESSAY QUESTIONS 2210. Assume you have been elected president. Your goal is to enact a legislative program. Discuss the best way to achieve this objective. Point out the strengths and weaknesses of presidential power, focusing on the factors a president can influence and manipulate. Answer a0.

Because the president does not control Congress as does a prime minister, he or she must use persuasion to succeed, especially when courting the opinions of Washington insiders.

b0.

The president is most successful when his or her popularity is high; popularity is highest at the beginning of a term, so key proposals must be pushed quickly.

c0.

A president should be selective in introducing proposals because of the constraints of time, unexpected crises, and a controlled budget.

d0.

The threat of a veto can be powerful because Congress rarely overrides a veto.

e0.

President does not rely much on the cabinet; uses capable White House staffers and gives them clearly defined responsibilities.

Page: Ch. 14


66


2220. The power of the president is a hotly debated issue. Some scholars refer to an “imperial presidency” despite the Founders’ intention to make Congress the “first branch.” From the material in the text, argue that Congress is indeed a more powerful branch than the presidency. Answer a0.

President has no guaranteed support in Congress, and the government is frequently divided.

b0.

Presidential power relies heavily on persuasion and presidential popularity tends to decline as a term progresses.

c0.

Presidents have little control over cabinet departments.

d0.

None of the president’s powers to say “no” are final: veto can be overridden; executive privilege limited by Supreme Court; Congress restricted use of impoundments.

e0.

President cannot reorganize outside the White House without congressional approval.

f0.Presidential coattails have weakened. g0.

Presidents get less than one-half their programs through Congress.

Page: Ch. 14 2230. The text takes a somewhat unconventional view of “gridlock” in government. What does scholarly research tell us about the impact of “gridlock” on legislation? What complicates the notion of “unified” government and how might it be a solution to “gridlock”? Would such a solution be good or acceptable to most Americans? Answer a0.

Scholarly research suggests divided government does about as well as unified ones in passing important laws.

b0.

Unified government might be a myth because the parties feature internal divisions and there is institutional rivalry between Congress and the President in the policy-making process.

c0.

Sweeping constitutional change might cure gridlock and would seem to run contrary to the desire of many voters who split tickets.

d0.

Gridlock might be a necessary consequence of representative government.

Pages: 370-372


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