1.
How many terms can a president serve?
Correct Answer
A. 2
Explanation
A president can serve a maximum of two terms. This is because the 22nd Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1951, limits the president to two terms in office. This amendment was put in place to prevent any one individual from holding too much power and to ensure a rotation of leadership. Therefore, a president cannot serve more than two terms.
2.
How long is a president's term?
Correct Answer
B. 4 years
Explanation
A president's term is typically 4 years. This is the standard length of time that a president serves before they are either re-elected for another term or a new president is elected. This allows for a reasonable amount of time for a president to implement their policies and make an impact, while also ensuring that there is regular turnover in leadership. This system is designed to maintain a balance between stability and accountability in government.
3.
Which of the following is NOT a judicial power given to the president?
Correct Answer
E. Actually, all of the above are judicial powers
Explanation
The correct answer is that all of the options listed are judicial powers given to the president. This means that the president has the authority to exercise the power of pardon, clemency, appoint judges to the federal courts, and commute sentences. These powers allow the president to have a significant impact on the judicial system and the outcomes of legal cases.
4.
Which view of the presidency is a very active and involved view of the presidency?
Correct Answer
E. Stewardship
Explanation
The view of the presidency known as stewardship is a very active and involved view of the presidency. This perspective suggests that the president should take an active role in leading the country and should not be limited by the powers explicitly outlined in the Constitution. Instead, the president should use their power and authority to address the needs of the nation and act in the best interest of the people. This view emphasizes the president's responsibility to actively manage and guide the country, rather than simply being a passive figurehead.
5.
Which of the following is not a formal qualification in the Constitution for the president?
Correct Answer
C. Male
Explanation
The Constitution does not specify that the president must be male, making it the only option that is not a formal qualification for the presidency. The other qualifications listed, such as being a natural born citizen, having a 14-year residency, and being at least 35 years old, are all explicitly stated as requirements in the Constitution.
6.
Which of the 8 roles of the president involves the president meeting with the leaders of a foreign nation as an ambassador for our nation?
Correct Answer
D. Chief diplomat
Explanation
The role of the president as the chief diplomat involves meeting with the leaders of foreign nations as an ambassador for our nation. This role requires the president to negotiate treaties, make executive agreements, and represent the United States in international relations. The chief diplomat is responsible for promoting diplomacy, maintaining relationships with other countries, and advancing the interests of the United States on the global stage.
7.
Which of the following is an agreement made with the head of a foreign government that does NOT have to get approved by the Senate?
Correct Answer
B. Executive agreement
Explanation
An executive agreement is an agreement made between the head of a foreign government and the President of the United States. Unlike a treaty, which requires approval by the Senate, an executive agreement does not need to be approved by the Senate. This allows the President to negotiate and enter into agreements with foreign governments more quickly and efficiently, without the lengthy process of Senate approval.
8.
Total forgiveness of a crime for a group of people (like the draft dodgers) is called _______.
Correct Answer
A. Amnesty
Explanation
Amnesty refers to the total forgiveness of a crime for a group of people, such as draft dodgers. It is a legal act of granting immunity from prosecution or punishment to a specific group of individuals. Amnesty is often granted by governments to promote reconciliation, peace, or to address political or social issues. It allows individuals to avoid legal consequences for their actions and start afresh without facing criminal charges or penalties.
9.
Which of the following cabinet departments is not headed by a Secretary, but rather an Attorney General?
Correct Answer
D. Justice
Explanation
The correct answer is Justice. The question asks which cabinet department is not headed by a Secretary, but rather an Attorney General. The Attorney General is the head of the Department of Justice, not a Secretary. Therefore, the correct answer is Justice.
10.
If the Pesident and Vice Preident were to die.... who would take over?
Correct Answer
C. Speaker of the House
Explanation
If both the President and Vice President were to die, the Speaker of the House would take over. This is because the Speaker of the House is the next in line for presidential succession after the Vice President. The Speaker of the House is the leader of the House of Representatives and holds a significant position in the U.S. government. In the event of the President and Vice President's death, the Speaker of the House would assume the role of the President until a new election can be held.
11.
In order to win the presidency, you must...
Correct Answer
D. Win the majority of the electoral vote
Explanation
To win the presidency, one must secure the majority of the electoral vote. This is because the United States uses an electoral college system, where each state is allocated a certain number of electoral votes based on their representation in Congress. The candidate who wins the popular vote in a specific state typically receives all of that state's electoral votes. Therefore, winning the majority of the electoral vote is crucial to securing the presidency, as it represents the cumulative support of the states.
12.
Mandates made by the president that carry the weight of a law are called..
Correct Answer
C. Executive orders
Explanation
Executive orders are mandates made by the president that carry the weight of a law. They are a type of directive issued by the president to the executive branch of the government, outlining how certain laws or policies should be implemented or enforced. Executive orders allow the president to bypass Congress and take immediate action on certain issues. They have the force of law and can be used to establish new policies, modify existing ones, or provide guidance to executive branch agencies. Unlike executive agreements, which are international agreements made by the president without Senate approval, executive orders are domestic in nature.
13.
Which of these is NOT true about the War Powers Act?
Correct Answer
A. The president declares war.
Explanation
The correct answer is that the president declares war. This statement is not true about the War Powers Act. The War Powers Act is a law that limits the power of the president to engage in military actions without the approval of Congress. It requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of deploying troops and limits the duration of military engagements to 60 days, with a possible 30-day extension. However, the power to declare war rests with Congress, not the president.
14.
What type of veto does the president no longer have?
Correct Answer
C. Line item veto
Explanation
The president no longer has the line item veto. This type of veto allowed the president to reject specific provisions of a bill while signing the rest into law. However, in 1998, the Supreme Court ruled that the line item veto was unconstitutional, as it violated the separation of powers outlined in the Constitution. Therefore, the president can now only use the regular veto or the pocket veto.
15.
Which type of "election" actually involves a meeting and discussions on the candidates, rather than just simply voting in a voting booth?
Correct Answer
B. Caucus
Explanation
A caucus is a type of election that involves a meeting and discussions on the candidates, rather than just simply voting in a voting booth. In a caucus, members of a political party gather to discuss and debate the candidates before making a decision on who to support. This process allows for more in-depth conversations and considerations of the candidates' qualities and policies, making it different from a primary election where voters simply cast their votes in a polling booth.
16.
The electoral college could produce a winner that did not win the ________ vote.
Correct Answer
popular
Explanation
The electoral college could produce a winner that did not win the popular vote because the president is not directly elected by the people, but rather by electors who are chosen by each state. These electors then cast their votes for the candidate who won the popular vote in their state. Therefore, it is possible for a candidate to win the electoral college and become president without winning the overall popular vote. This has happened in the past, leading to debates about the fairness and effectiveness of the electoral college system.
17.
List 3 alternatives to the electoral college.
18.
Which of the following is NOT a pathology of the bureaucracy?
Correct Answer
E. Efficiency
Explanation
Efficiency is not considered a pathology of the bureaucracy because it is a desirable trait in any organization. Pathologies refer to negative aspects or dysfunctions within a system, and efficiency is the opposite of that. In a bureaucracy, waste, red tape, growth, and turf wars are often seen as pathologies because they hinder productivity and effectiveness. However, efficiency is a positive attribute that helps streamline processes, reduce waste, and improve overall performance.
19.
Which cabinet department was added most recently? (due to September 11th)
Correct Answer
D. Dept. of Homeland Security
Explanation
After the September 11th attacks, the United States government recognized the need for a department dedicated to protecting the country from future terrorist threats. As a result, the Department of Homeland Security was created in 2002. This department is responsible for coordinating efforts to prevent and respond to terrorist attacks, as well as managing other domestic security concerns. Therefore, the Department of Homeland Security is the cabinet department that was added most recently.
20.
Which of the following cabinet departments is NOT accurately associated?
Correct Answer
E. State- handles our nation's financial system
Explanation
The correct answer is State- handles our nation's financial system. This is not an accurate association because the State department is responsible for handling foreign policy and international relations, not the nation's financial system. The department that handles the nation's financial system is the Treasury department.
21.
Today the cabinet is __________________.
Correct Answer
A. More diverse than before
Explanation
The correct answer is "more diverse than before" because it suggests that the current cabinet has a greater variety of individuals from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives compared to the past. This implies that there is now a wider representation of different groups within the cabinet, leading to a more inclusive decision-making process.
22.
What is the main job of the Vice President?
Correct Answer
A. Preside over the Senate and vote if there is a tie.
Explanation
The main job of the Vice President is to preside over the Senate and vote if there is a tie. This means that the Vice President is responsible for overseeing the proceedings and maintaining order in the Senate. Additionally, in the event of a tie vote, the Vice President has the power to cast the deciding vote, which can have a significant impact on the outcome of legislation. This role ensures that the Vice President plays an active role in the legislative process and helps to ensure the functioning of the Senate.
23.
Which of the following is NOT true about the electoral college?
Correct Answer
C. Illinois has 30 electoral votes and is part of the dirty dozen.
Explanation
The statement that is NOT true about the electoral college is that Illinois has 30 electoral votes and is part of the dirty dozen.
24.
Which of the 8 roles of the President invovles the President as a "role model" and is seen as representative of the people and how they should behave?
Correct Answer
B. Chief citizen
Explanation
The role of the President as the "chief citizen" involves being a role model and representing the people in terms of behavior. This role emphasizes the President's responsibility to set a good example for the citizens and to embody the values and ideals of the nation. As the chief citizen, the President is expected to act in a way that reflects the best interests and aspirations of the people, demonstrating ethical behavior and promoting unity and civic engagement.
25.
Which race comes first; the primary or the general election?
Correct Answer
A. Primary
Explanation
The primary election comes before the general election. In the primary election, political parties select their candidates for the general election. It is a way for party members to choose who they want to represent their party in the final election. The general election, on the other hand, is the main election where voters choose their preferred candidate from each party to hold public office.
26.
Which of the following does NOT happen at the national convention?
Correct Answer
D. The winner of the presidency is announced.
Explanation
At the national convention, several important events take place. The party chooses or announces its nominee, writes its platform for the candidate, and votes on the platform. Additionally, a keynote speech is given by a rising star of the party to help announce the candidate and kick off the campaign. However, the winner of the presidency is not announced at the national convention. The national convention is primarily focused on the nomination process and setting the party's agenda, rather than announcing the final election results.
27.
Are vice president's more or less active today? Are they involved or out of the loop today? (think Dick Cheney/Al Gore, etc)
Correct Answer
A. Active/involved
Explanation
The correct answer is Active/involved. The question is asking whether vice presidents are more or less active and involved today. The answer suggests that vice presidents are indeed active and involved in current times, possibly referring to examples like Dick Cheney and Al Gore.
28.
Which of the following is an example of an "executive order of the president"?
Correct Answer
E. All of the above.
Explanation
The correct answer is "all of the above" because all of the given options are examples of executive orders issued by the president. The Emancipation Proclamation was an executive order issued by President Lincoln to abolish slavery. The internment camps for the Japanese during WWII were established through executive order by President Roosevelt. The integration of troops and Little Rock Central High were also achieved through executive orders by Presidents Truman and Eisenhower respectively. Therefore, all of these examples demonstrate the use of executive orders by the president.
29.
Which of the following is NOT an option when the President receives a bill on his desk?
Correct Answer
D. Veto portions of a bill (line item veto)
Explanation
The President does not have the option to veto portions of a bill through a line item veto. A line item veto would allow the President to reject specific provisions or spending measures within a bill while signing the rest into law. However, the Supreme Court declared the line item veto unconstitutional in 1998, so the President does not currently have this power.
30.
What is the term for a president that has stretched his power beyond the Constitution often stepping on the other branches' toes?
Correct Answer
C. Imperial president
Explanation
The term "imperial president" refers to a president who has exceeded the limits of their power as outlined in the Constitution, often encroaching upon the authority of other branches of government. This term suggests that the president acts as if they have absolute power, similar to an emperor, rather than adhering to the checks and balances established by the Constitution.
31.
The right arm of the president that serves as the brain trust of the president that includes his "idea people" in the Office of Management and Budget, National Security Council and Economic Advisors?
Correct Answer
B. Executive Office of the President
Explanation
The Executive Office of the President serves as the brain trust of the president and includes his "idea people" in the Office of Management and Budget, National Security Council, and Economic Advisors. This office is responsible for advising the president on various matters and helping him in decision-making processes. The Cabinet, on the other hand, consists of the heads of various executive departments and is not specifically focused on providing ideas and advice to the president. Independent Executive Agencies and Independent Regulatory Commissions are separate entities that operate independently from the Executive Office of the President.
32.
What president's death by an upset campaign worker led to the passage of the Pendelton Act that created the merit based civil service system?
Correct Answer
A. James Garfield
Explanation
James Garfield's death by an upset campaign worker led to the passage of the Pendleton Act that created the merit-based civil service system. The Pendleton Act was a response to the assassination of President Garfield, who was shot by a disgruntled office seeker. This act aimed to reform the spoils system, which was a system of political patronage where government jobs were given to loyal supporters, regardless of their qualifications. The Pendleton Act established a merit-based system for hiring and promoting government employees, ensuring that positions were awarded based on qualifications rather than political connections.
33.
What is the term for a hierarchical rules oriented organization that handles the day to day business of an organization?
Correct Answer
A. Bureaucracy
Explanation
A bureaucracy is a hierarchical rules-oriented organization that handles the day-to-day business of an organization. It is characterized by a clear chain of command, division of labor, and adherence to established procedures and protocols. Bureaucracies are commonly found in government agencies and large corporations, where they provide structure and efficiency in managing complex operations.