Deck 7: The Presidency

Question 1

Which statement best summarizes the religious beliefs of the majority of the presidents of the United States?

A) Nearly all were born Christian.
B) Most presidents have renounced their religion.
C) Nearly half of all presidents have been atheists.
D) Nearly all presidents have kept their faith to themselves.

Answer 1

A

Question 2

Which is a requirement for becoming president as specified in the Constitution?

A) A person must be 35 years of age or older.
B) The president may not have served as vice president.
C) A person must have an above-average annual income.
D) The person must hold a law degree.

Answer 2

A

Question 3

How many senators have been elected president?

A) 10
B) 16
C) 18
D) 27

Answer 3

B

Question 4

Who has the greatest likelihood of becoming president?

A) Anna, an agnostic lobbyist with an Associate's degree and no previous experience in public office
B) Martin, a Jewish businessman with a Master's degree and experience as governor of his home state
C) Robert, an Irish Catholic with a high school diploma and six years of experience in the Senate
D) Karen, a Christian who has a law degree and whose grandfather was president

Question 5

Many presidents have also been ______.

A) vice presidents
B) engineers
C) farmers
D) real estate magnates

Question 6

The Constitution lays out the requirements for president in ______.

A) Article I
B) Article II
C) Article III
D) Article IV

Question 7

What is the primary function of the Twenty-Second Amendment?

A) to extend the right to vote to women
B) to lower the voting age to 18
C) to impose term limits on the presidency
D) to establish the line of succession

Question 8

What does the fact that a significant number of presidents have been related to each other by blood suggest?

A) that birthright may be a factor in becoming president
B) that it is impossible to avoid a monarchical government
C) that elections and the office of the president are corrupt
D) that Americans have respected multiple families throughout history

Question 9

What is the relationship between college attendance and being elected president?

A) Nearly all presidents are considered self-made and never attended college.
B) Most presidents have held an advanced law degree.
C) Nearly every president has attended college.
D) Most presidents attended some college but did not graduate.

Question 10

According to the Constitution, a person who wishes to become president must meet which requirement?

A) be at least 25 years or older
B) have resided in the United States for four years
C) have prior experience in local, state, or federal government
D) be a natural-born citizen

Question 11

Which president faced the greatest threat to the United States during the 1800s?

A) Andrew Jackson
B) Franklin Pierce
C) James Buchanan
D) Abraham Lincoln

Question 12

Which president is responsible for establishing the precedent of a limited executive for the first few decades of the presidency?

A) Thomas Jefferson
B) Alexander Hamilton
C) George Washington
D) Andrew Jackson

Question 13

Suppose Amelia is considering running for president. She was born in the United States to an American mother and a British father and has been living full-time in the United Kingdom since she was five. She is now 40 years old and has decided to move back to the United States to pursue the presidency. Will Amelia be permitted to run?

A) No, she has not been a resident of the United States for at least 14 years.
B) No, she is no longer considered a natural-born citizen.
C) Yes, she meets all of the requirements for the presidency.
D) Yes, she would not be held to the 14 year residency requirement as a natural-born citizen.

Question 14

How can the presidents of the first few decades after the ratification of the Constitution be classified?

A) as weak and easily-intimidated
B) as borderline tyrannical
C) as cautious of the power of the office
D) as strong war-mongers

Question 15

What is the function of the Senate during the impeachment and removal process?

A) The Senate is responsible for gathering evidence and issuing articles of impeachment.
B) The Senate must present the articles of impeachment to the House for further consideration.
C) The Senate has the authority to conduct a trial and convict a sitting president.
D) The Senate acts as a jury to hear the case for impeachment and removal of the president.

Question 16

Suppose the House of Representatives has brought articles of impeachment against a sitting president and have received the necessary votes for the impeachment process to proceed to the Senate. What must happen next in order for the president to be removed from office?

A) The House and the Senate must unanimously vote to remove the president.
B) The House of Representatives must prove that the president is guilty.
C) The Senate must vote to remove the president with a super majority.
D) The Senate must convict the president with a two-thirds vote.

Question 17

According to the Constitution, how may a president be removed from office?

A) by the vote of the people during a special election
B) by impeachment in the House and conviction in the Senate
C) by a unanimous vote of the cabinet secretaries
D) by a motion granted by the Supreme Court

Question 18

Which event marked the first shift from a limited executive to the expansion of presidential power?

A) the French and Indian War
B) the War of 1812
C) the Great Depression
D) the Civil War

Question 19

What is the most common type of experience presidents have had?

A) military
B) senatorial
C) farming
D) business

Question 20

Why was Andrew Jackson able to expand the power of the presidency?

A) The Supreme Court granted the president additional powers.
B) The expansion of power was largely a function of his personality.
C) The office of the president was expanding more and more anyway.
D) The Constitution was being interpreted more loosely by presidents.

Question 21

What impact did the September 11, 2001 attacks have on the presidency?

A) They allowed President Bush to expand executive power to enter into a war on terrorism.
B) The attacks led President Bush to adopt an isolationist foreign policy.
C) They caused President Bush to scale back military occupations in the Middle East.
D) They forced President Bush to devolve authority over national security to the states.

Question 22

Which duties does the president perform when acting as head of state?

A) negotiating treaties with other nations
B) appointing federal judges
C) meeting with and hosting foreign leaders
D) directing the military

Question 23

Suppose it is the 1930s and you have just recently lost your job and most of your savings due to a steep downturn in the economy. You are aware that President Roosevelt has implemented several new programs as part of the New Deal, but do not want to accept a handout from the federal government since you are still young and able to work. What other option is available to you through FDR's New Deal programs?

A) You will receive a monthly stipend as part of your universal basic income.
B) You can open a federally insured bank account.
C) The program has established a Social Security benefit program.
D) Public works jobs are available through the federal government.

Question 24

What is one of the president's most important powers as chief executive?

A) the power to command the military
B) the power of appointment
C) the ability to host and meet with foreign leaders
D) the power to enact laws

Question 25

When the president negotiates treaties and appoints ministers and ambassadors as representatives to other countries, he or she is acting as ______.

A) chief diplomat
B) commander-in-chief
C) chief executive
D) head of state

Question 26

How did the United States attempt to establish its dominance over the Soviet Union during the Cold War?

A) by adopting the Truman Doctrine to aid any nation under the threat of communism
B) by launching several nuclear attacks on major cities within the Soviet Union
C) by implementing additional social welfare measures to take care of American citizens
D) by imposing sanctions on the Soviet Union and its allies to cripple their economies

Question 27

Which action is an example of a president expanding the office of the presidency and the scope of the federal government as a whole?

A) Thomas Jefferson's scaling-back of economic planning efforts
B) Lyndon B. Johnson's implementation of the Great Society
C) Ronald Reagan's tax cuts and decrease in social spending
D) George Washington's rejection of interventionist policy

Question 28

Which major historical event prompted President Franklin D. Roosevelt to greatly expand the power of the president in the United States?

A) the acquisition of Western territory
B) the beginning of World War I
C) the onset of the Great Depression
D) the collapse of Social Security

Question 29

When the president fulfills certain formal duties and obligations on behalf of the country involving interactions with foreign nations, he or she is acting as ______.

A) chief legislator
B) head of state
C) commander-in-chief
D) chief executive

Question 30

According to Article II of the Constitution, what is the primary function of the executive?

A) to enforce the laws passed by Congress
B) to enact new laws and propose legislation
C) to ensure Congress is making laws that are Constitutional
D) to assist Congress in the formation of new policy

Question 31

Which president can be largely credited for implementing policies that led to the fall of communist regimes in Eastern Europe?

A) George H. W. Bush
B) Lyndon B. Johnson
C) Ronald Reagan
D) Franklin D. Roosevelt

Question 32

According to President Lincoln, how was Article II of the Constitution to be interpreted?

A) The executive branch is to remain strictly in line with the powers listed.
B) The president has the authority to expand executive powers during crises.
C) The executive is responsible for all matters regarding national security.
D) The president must do all he or she can to preserve the United States.

Question 33

Suppose the president of the United States has successfully negotiated a treaty with Russia that will extend the Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty and will provide greater incentives for both the United States and Russia to respect the agreements within the treaty. Although the president has negotiated this treaty and will be responsible for executing it, what is required for the treaty to formally be enacted?

A) approval by the vice president
B) approval from two-thirds of the Senate
C) approval from one-half of the House
D) approval from the Supreme Court

Question 34

Under President Theodore Roosevelt, what was the function of the United States on the global stage?

A) to facilitate trade between nations that would not have trade agreements otherwise
B) to reduce the overall presence of the United States in third-world nations
C) to play a supervisory role in maintaining stability in the Americas
D) to keep the peace between nations by prioritizing diplomacy

Question 35

Which distinction can be drawn between a reprieve and a pardon?

A) A reprieve may be granted by Congress, whereas a pardon is granted by the president.
B) A reprieve reduces severity of punishment, while a pardon relieves a person of guilt and punishment.
C) A reprieve can be sought by anyone, but a pardon is reserved for those on death row.
D) A reprieve can be granted by the president alone, but a pardon requires consent of the Senate.

Question 36

Who is the president responsible for appointing?

A) the vice president
B) the Senate majority leader
C) Supreme Court justices
D) the Speaker of the House

Question 37

Which part of the Constitution specifies the functions of the president in foreign affairs?

A) Article I
B) Article II
C) Article III
D) Article IV

Question 38

Suppose you are president in an era of hyper-partisan politics and are unable to get any legislation passed through Congress. Which action do you most likely take to assert your dominance as president and follow through on policy goals?

A) utilize executive orders to bypass Congress
B) wait out the gridlock in Congress
C) devolve more lawmaking power to the states
D) nominate supporters to federal judgeships

Question 39

Which nation emerged as a rival military superpower to the United States after World War II?

A) the Soviet Union
B) Russia
C) Germany
D) Austria

Question 40

Which statement best summarizes President Woodrow Wilson's impact on the presidency?

A) Wilson scaled back the power of the federal government significantly during his time in office.
B) Wilson devolved several powers of the president to the states for a more balanced government.
C) Wilson showed great ambition during his presidency and expanded the authority of the president.
D) Wilson was a relatively weak president with no discernable impact on the presidency.

Question 41

How does the president acting as the party leader impact local and state officials, as well as Congressional candidates?

A) Congressional candidates as well as local and state officials only benefit slightly.
B) Local and state officials tend to be well-insulated from partisan politics.
C) The "coattail effect" will boost local, state, and Congressional candidates within the president's party.
D) A dislike for the president is likely to hurt other officials due to lower voter turnout.

Question 42

Which is an example of the president acting as an effective chief legislator?

A) Franklin Roosevelt's implementation of New Deal policies
B) Donald Trump's construction of the southern border wall
C) George W. Bush's call to send troops into the Middle East
D) Ronald Reagan's interactions with the Soviet Union

Question 43

When the president is acting in response to a natural disaster, terrorist attack, or other dire circumstance, he or she is acting as ______.

A) chief legislator
B) crisis manager
C) party leader
D) commander-in-chief

Question 44

Why might some criticize the use of executive orders?

A) Most executive orders have resulted in the loss of basic human rights by Americans.
B) The Constitution explicitly prohibits the use of executive orders by the president.
C) Executive orders signal an unchecked president who will likely grow tyrannical.
D) They are an expansion of executive authority into the lawmaking power of Congress.

Question 45

What impact does the State of the Union address have on the legislative process?

A) The State of the Union address allows Americans to voice their opinions on legislation.
B) The State of the Union address forces Congress to break gridlock and pass laws.
C) The State of the Union address helps the president convey his or her suggestions for legislation.
D) The State of the Union address is a formal way for the president to propose legislation.

Question 46

In 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued a mandate for the internment of Japanese Americans in response to Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor. This mandate to establish internment camps was not passed through Congress, but came directly from President Roosevelt, making it which type of executive action?

A) executive agreement
B) executive overreach
C) executive order
D) executive mandate

Question 47

What is an executive agreement?

A) a regulation that is passed by the president that has the force of law
B) a bill that is signed into law by the president that has come from Congress
C) a pact made between the president and a foreign government
D) an understanding that is reached between the president and Congress to avoid gridlock

Question 48

What motive does the president have to endorse certain candidates within Congress?

A) Endorsing a candidate in Congress will give the president influence to demand support for a policy.
B) The president will endorse a candidate if he or she believes that candidate will make a good vice president.
C) The president may endorse a member of Congress to boost that member's chances of re-election.
D) Endorsing a candidate or member of Congress helps the president maintain a positive public image.

Question 49

How do the other branches of government maintain a check on the president who has issued executive orders?

A) The House holds a vote to decide if the order is constitutional or not.
B) The Supreme Court must have final approval over executive orders.
C) The Senate must issue a formal acknowledgement of the order before it is enacted.
D) Congress may choose not to fund the agencies required to enact the order.

Question 50

Regulations that are issued by the president that have the force of law are known as ______.

A) executive agreements
B) reprieves
C) vetoes
D) executive orders

Question 51

Suppose a tornado has ripped through a large midwestern city and has destroyed everything in its path, from shops and business buildings to homes and schools. The president has flown in to visit the city and is meeting with those who have lost their homes and businesses to discuss options for moving forward and rebuilding. What role has the president assumed?

A) chief legislator
B) chief executive
C) commander-in-chief
D) crisis manager

Question 52

Which action can a president take to make decisions about foreign affairs without the consent of Congress?

A) The president may issue an executive order.
B) The president may grant a pardon.
C) The president may make an executive agreement.
D) The president may form a treaty with another nation.

Question 53

What role does the president play in the legislative process?

A) The president is able to propose legislation directly to Congress.
B) The president influences the legislative agenda in Congress.
C) The president is responsible for drafting laws for consideration.
D) The president has almost no role in the legislative process.

Question 54

What distinction can be drawn between the war-related powers of Congress and the military powers of the president?

A) Congress funds the military, while the president works with advisors to determine when it is appropriate to declare war.
B) Congress has the ability to develop military strategy, while the president is largely responsible for the operation of the military.
C) Congress must make sure that troops are prepared for war, which the president has the power to declare.
D) Congress has the authority to declare war, but the president is responsible for commanding the military.

Question 55

Which action is a president expected to take in response to a natural disaster or emergency?

A) host a press conference in Washington, D.C.
B) post several times on social media about the incident
C) visit the scene and meet with those who were impacted
D) deploy the National Guard to prevent looting

Question 56

Why is the president expected to assume the role of crisis manager in times of disaster?

A) The president is the only person who can conduct the military and pass policy during emergencies.
B) The Constitution specifically states that the president is to assume the role of crisis manager.
C) Presidents throughout the decades have set precedent for responding to emergencies.
D) Many look up to the president as the leader of the nation and expect comfort and reassurance.

Question 57

What happens once the president is elected?

A) He or she must assume the role of crisis manager.
B) He or she becomes the de facto leader of their political party.
C) He or she must renounce all partisan attachment.
D) He or she is granted full control over leadership in Congress.

Question 58

In 2016, Donald Trump became the 45^th president of the United States after running a successful campaign as a Republican. Once he assumed office, President Trump also became ______.

A) the de facto Republican party leader
B) the leader of the minority Democratic party
C) the crisis manager
D) the president of the Senate

Question 59

What is the president's main duty as commander-in-chief?

A) to lead the nation's military
B) to declare war
C) to urge Congress to consider certain policies
D) to meet with foreign leaders

Question 60

Suppose the president is presented with a bill that would pump more money into the coal industry instead of focusing on funding innovative technologies for clean energy. Since this bill goes against the promises that the president made on the campaign trail, he decides to take action to ensure that it will not become law. This action is known as ______.

A) executive power
B) oversight
C) a veto
D) legislating

Question 61

How did Vice President Joe Biden likely influence President Barack Obama during his time in office?

A) Biden was an advocate for universal basic income, which urged Obama to pursue legislation for it.
B) Biden believed strongly in universal health care, which led Obama to support the Affordable Care Act.
C) Biden advocated for the legalization of medical marijuana, which Obama was also forced to support.
D) Biden was a vocal supporter of same-sex marriage, which urged Obama to voice his support for it.

Question 62

When does the president have the best chance to get legislation passed?

A) when the president is up for re-election
B) when confidence in the president is low
C) when public approval for the president is declining
D) when public support is high for the president

Question 63

According to the text, which factor is critical to the political effectiveness of the presidency today?

A) policy agenda
B) ability to work with Congress
C) past political experience
D) popularity among the public

Question 64

How did President Donald Trump engage with the American public during his presidency?

A) by live streaming on YouTube regularly
B) through consistent posts on Twitter
C) through a weekly radio show
D) via daily speeches from the Oval Office

Question 65

Which executive organization was established to bring the activities of the executive branch under tighter control?

A) the president's cabinet
B) the Office of Management and Budget
C) the Executive Office of the President
D) the White House staff

Question 66

Which president provided aid to Britain against Germany by way of executive agreement before becoming involved in World War II?

A) Herbert Hoover
B) Franklin D. Roosevelt
C) Lyndon B. Johnson
D) Dwight Eisenhower

Question 67

Suppose an ally of the United Sates has been attacked by a terrorist organization in the Middle East. The attack was relatively small, and there is no indication of further attacks, but the president is unsure of what to do. Public opinion polls show that the American people are split on the matter, with 44 percent believing the United States should take some sort of military action, and 56 percent believing the United States should stay out of foreign conflict and continue to focus on efforts at home. What is the best course of action for the president to take in this case?

A) Avoid seeming too reliant on public opinion and get involved in the conflict.
B) Launch an airstrike on the terrorists' suspected bases.
C) Heed the lessons learned from Vietnam and stay out of the conflict.
D) Send military aid to the ally to demonstrate support.

Question 68

Which statement best summarizes the role of the first lady in modern presidencies?

A) The first lady often takes on the role of hostess and social planner in modern presidencies.
B) The first lady usually chooses an area of public policy to focus on reforming.
C) The first lady acts as an administrator for the White House, ensuring things are running smoothly.
D) The first lady usually provides policy advice and helps the president set the legislative agenda.

Question 69

Which first lady boldly challenged some of her husband's policies during his presidency?

A) Edith Wilson
B) Eleanor Roosevelt
C) Nancy Reagan
D) Barbara Bush

Question 70

What is the primary function of the cabinet in terms of the constitutional responsibilities of the president?

A) The cabinet serves as advisors to the president so he or she can effectively enforce the laws.
B) The cabinet is required to act as a check on the president's executive power.
C) The cabinet helps Congress form policies that the president must enforce.
D) The cabinet assists the president in finding ways to exercise additional executive powers.

Question 71

Suppose Carlos has been appointed by the president to manage the White House staff and organize them in a way that best serves the president and his schedule. In the past week, Carlos has had to make sure that the speechwriters have finalized a speech for the president to give at an event in Texas, confirm transportation and security to and from the event, and coordinate media appearances. Which position does Carlos likely hold?

A) member of the president's cabinet
B) White House chief of staff
C) head of the Office of Management and Budget
D) head of the Executive Office of the President

Question 72

Wallace has been appointed by the president as Secretary of the Interior and has been successfully confirmed by the Senate. As Secretary of the Interior, he is responsible for overseeing the management and conservation of federal lands, including National Parks. At times, he will also provide key advice to the president about certain policies that involve natural resources or public land. Wallace works with about 20 other officials who handle different departments and responsibilities that also advise the president. Which organization is Wallace part of?

A) the president's cabinet
B) the Executive Office of the President
C) the White House staff
D) the Council of Economic Advisors

Question 73

Suppose Russia has just ended its involvement in all treaties regarding the development, testing, and proliferation of nuclear weapons. This move alarms the president, and prompts her to consider options for preparedness and potential nuclear warfare, creating a similar urgency and need as during the Cold War. The president establishes agencies that she will work closely with to develop several plans and advise her on diplomatic relations with Russia's leaders. These agencies will most likely be part of which organization?

A) the Executive Office of the President
B) the president's cabinet
C) the House of Representatives
D) the Senate

Question 74

How has the position of vice president changed over time?

A) The vice president once had significant power and prestige but has recently become a symbolic position.
B) The vice president used to act as a key advisor to the president but now performs mostly administrative work.
C) The vice president did not command much respect in the past but now acts as a key advisor and works on behalf of the president.
D) The vice president has expanded his or her power from presiding over the Senate to now presiding over the White House staff.

Question 75

If the vice president assumes the role of president, and then also becomes incapacitated and cannot serve as president, who is next in the line of succession?

A) no one until a special election is called to choose a new president
B) the Speaker of the House
C) the Secretary of Agriculture
D) the Senate majority leader

Question 76

Who makes up the president's cabinet?

A) members of the White House staff
B) heads of executive departments and other important officials
C) key members of Congress from the president's party
D) the chairs of congressional committees

Question 77

How does the presidency today compare to the past presidencies in terms of interaction with the public?

A) Past presidencies were far more engaged with the public than they are today.
B) The presidency today is highly public, while past presidencies were more insulated.
C) Presidencies in the past interacted more with voters instead of lobbyists as they do today.
D) Overall, the presidency has remained isolated from the public eye.

Question 78

Who is next in the line of succession if the president becomes incapacitated and cannot perform the duties of the office?

A) the first lady
B) the vice president
C) the Speaker of the House
D) the Senate majority leader

Question 79

According to the Constitution, what is the primary role of the Vice President?

A) to assist the president on day-to-day tasks
B) to act as a foreign liaison
C) to preside over the Senate
D) to appoint committee chairs in Congress

Question 80

How many members are in the president's cabinet?

A) 6
B) 15
C) 21
D) 25