Government_Ch5_Homework-1

=**Government Chapter 5 Homework #1**= Answer the questions with each reading passage

1. Article II of the Constitution explains the executive branch, which is to execute the laws, or carry out the laws. The executive branch consists of the president and vice president as well as the president's cabinet departments and the vast bureaucracy headed by the president to help carry out the duties of this branch. The president is commander-in-chief of the armed forces, has the power to appoint department secretaries, ambassadors, federal judges, and to make treaties. The most important duty is one that the president recites in the presidential oath when taking office and that is to "faithfully execute the laws of the United States" and to "defend the Constitution." The president serves a term of four years. Originally, there were no term limits for the presidency. The idea was that if there is a leader that is doing good, that leader should continue to serve. However, by the mid-20th century, the 22nd Amendment was added to the Constitution, which put on a limit of two terms or 10 years in office. The president has a salary but also a travel account, a presidential mansion - the White House, vacation spot - Camp David, his own airplane - Air Force One, his own limo - Limo One, and numerous other perks. The Constitutional requirements to be president are age 35, resident of the U.S. for at least 14 years, and must be a natural born U.S. citizen. Experience and education is an unwritten requirement today. Running for president today demands large amounts of money to campaign and put out numerous ads on the media. There are laws as to how campaign money can be used. Political beliefs matter when a candidate is running. Candidates must appear moderate in their views as being able to appeal to liberal and conservative voters. Character also matters to voters who want a president they can trust. The 25th Amendment outlines president succession, or the line to the presidency. After the president and vice president is the Speaker of the House, then the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, followed by members of the president's cabinet in order of the department's creation. If the president is disabled (a president is consider incapacitated if the president informs congress or if the vice president along with the majority of the cabinet says so) then the vice president assumes the role of the president until the president is no longer incapacitated. Vice presidents typically don't play much of a role and the Constitution doesn't give the vice president power. Today, the vice president promotes the president's agenda and helps the president with executive duties.
 * What is the most important duty of the president? (A) control the armed forces (B) develop foreign policy (C) make sure all laws are faithfully executed (D) help the economy (E) all (F) none**


 * What did the 22nd Amendment set for the presidency? (A) term length of 4 years (B) the 2 term or 10 year limit (C) presidents can't serve more than 8 years (D) Electoral College system (E) all (F) none**


 * Which is NOT a constitutional requirement of the presidency? (A) age 35 or older (B) lived in the U.S. for 14 years (C) born in the U.S.A. (D) believe in American ideals and values (E) all (F) none**


 * What position is 3rd in presidential succession? (A) vice president (B) president pro-tempore (C) speaker of the House (D) president of the Senate (E) all (F) none**


 * What is the name of the president's mansion? ...president's plane? ...president's vacation spot?**

2. The Electoral College system is the method of electing the presidents. Electors are those who cast the official vote for president and vice president. Originally, there were no political parties. Candidates for president were voted on by electors with the candidate who received over 50% of the vote becoming president and second most votes as vice president. By 1800, political parties (Democrat-Republican party based on the ideas of Thomas Jefferson and the Federalist party based on the ideas of Alexander Hamilton) had formed and began to put up candidates. Today, the way the system works is the people go to the ballot box in November and vote for president and the candidate's vice presidential running-mate. The electors typically cast their votes for the candidate that wins the popular vote (the votes cast by the people) in a state. So if a candidate win PA, the electors in PA all officially vote for that candidate. The number of electoral votes a state gets is based on the number of representatives and senators in a state. Overall there are 538 electoral votes (435 representatives + 100 senators + 3 electoral votes from D.C., which doesn't have a representative or senator since it's not a state). To win, a candidate needs over 50% making 270 the minimum number of electoral votes necessary. If a candidate doesn't get over 50% of the electoral vote, then the House of Representatives votes for president and the Senate votes for Vice President. It is possible for a candidate to win the popular vote (the votes cast by the people) but lose the electoral vote. This happened several times in our history. Once a president is elected, he/she doesn't take office until inauguration day, which is always January 20.
 * What does the Electoral College do? (A) elects the president and vice president (B) sets up the bureaucracy (C) allows the people to vote (D) educates the presidents on the issues (E) all (F) none**


 * How many total electoral votes are there? How many are needed to win?**


 * When is inauguration day?**

3. The Cabinet is the secretaries who head executive departments and are the presidents key advisors in these department areas. The term cabinet came under George Washington, who met regularly with his department heads to get their advice on policy matters. The newspapers of the time called this group Washington's cabinet, the general term for the advisors around any head of state. The name stuck. Cabinet secretaries (the advisors who head the cabinet departments) are appointed by the president and must be confirmed by the Senate. Cabinet heads are expected (not a constitutional requirement) to have experience or expertise in their area. For example, the Secretary of Education would be expected to have background or knowledge on education matters. When a candidate is first elected president, as President-Elect may leak, or deliberately disclose, some cabinet candidates' names to the media to test the reactions of the Senate, which holds confirmation hearings to decide on approval cabinet appointees. Each cabinet secretary is responsible for the executive department that he or she heads. Cabinet secretaries advise the president and help carry out the laws through their departments. Cabinet positions are State (advises on foreign policy), Treasury, Justice (headed by the Attorney General), Defense, Agriculture, Energy, Education, Commerce, Interior, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Veterans' Affairs, Transportation, Labor, and Homeland Security (combat terrorism). The Executive Office of the President also consists of executive agencies that are not part of the cabinet. These agencies were created in 1939 by FDR, which greatly increased the size of the government. Today the EOP consists of the White House Office and several other agencies. Presidents often reorganize the EOP and even add agencies when new issues arise. The Office of Management and Budget is the largest agency in the EOP and helps prepare the national budget proposal of the president, who then presents it to Congress. Budgets proposed by the president usually reflect the president's priorities in terms of taxing and spending. The National Security Council advises the president to coordinate military and foreign policy. The National Security Advisor is a special assistant that directs the NSC staff. The National Homeland Security Council was created after the 9/11 terror attacks. It grew into a cabinet department. The Council of Economic Advisors assesses the nation's economic health, predicts future economic conditions, and supports other executive agencies that are involved in economic planning. It also proposes solutions to problems such as unemployment or inflation. Other EOP agencies include the Domestic Policy Council focuses on domestic policies such as farming and energy. The Office of Environmental Policy works on environmental issues. The Office of Science and Technology Policy also advises. The White House Office has become very important and has key advisors that don't need Senate approval. The White House Office includes the chief of staff, White House counsel, and press secretary.
 * What is the job of the cabinet? (A) advise the president (B) make foreign policy (C) make regulations to enforce laws (D) keep the president safe (E) all (F) none**


 * Which is part of the Executive Office of the President that advises on security? (A) White House Office (B) Office of Management and Budget (C) National Security Council (D) Defense Department (E) all (F) none**

4. The Founding Fathers made the president the head of the executive branch, the branch in charge of executing, or enforcing, or carrying out the laws. The wanted to have a strong executive, but were sure to put on restraints to keep the executive from being able to be a tyrant. One of the weaknesses under the Articles of Confederation was that there wasn't an executive to enforce laws passed under the Confederation Congress. Also, they wanted an executive that would protect liberty, property, and keep the legislature in check. The Constitution is vague when it gives the president the "executive power." Article II does list some specifics though. The president is commander-in-chief of the armed forces. This makes the president responsible for the nation's security. The president can formulate foreign policy and has the power to make treaties and appoint ambassadors to foreign nations (with needing Senate approval). The president has the power to pardon a person, which means eliminate punishment for a crime. The president can grant a pardon to a whole group, which is called amnesty, such as when Andrew Johnson granted amnesty to Confederate soldiers in the Civil War after the war. This meant that regulate Confederate soldiers would not be brought up on charges for fighting. The president must make sure that the laws of Congress are "faithfully executed." The president does have some power over bills becoming laws since the president must sign a bill for it to become a law and has the power to reject, or veto, a bill. The president gives an annual State of the Union address to Congress on what the president wants to see done for the following year. Presidents often ask Congress to pass certain legislation. This is typically done in late January. The role of the president has changed over the various administrations as new issues arose. George Washington set the precedent of what executive power meant. Under Thomas Jefferson, the Louisiana Purchase was added to the U.S. which set the precedent that treaty-making power also included adding new territory. Abraham Lincoln changed the role of the presidency in the Civil War by expanding his role to hold the nation together, which was necessary. FDR used the Great Depression to increase the size and power of the government. The terror attacks on 9/11 changed executive roles as well. Most presidents feel their election means they have a mandate from the people, or an expressed will of the people for the president to commit to the ideas of the campaign. There are limits on the presidency with checks from the Congress. Congress can impeach the president, can override a veto, and the Senate must approve of treaties and presidential appointments. The Supreme Court also has a check on the executive branch with judicial review - the Supreme Court can declare an act of the president or bureaucracy as unconstitutional.
 * Which is a legislative power of the president? (A) sign laws (B) veto bills (C) ask Congress to pass legislation (D) give the State of the Union Address (E) all (F) none**


 * The president is Commander-in-Chief or head of the (A) Executive Branch (B) foreign policy decisions (C) armed forces (D) Continental Army (E) all (F) none**


 * A p- is the president's power to eliminate punishment and a-- is for a whole group such as Andrew Johnson granting it to C-- soldiers.**

5. The president plays several roles. One such role is Head of State (or Chief of State), or symbol of the nation representing the nation in various ceremonial roles. The president welcomes foreign leaders, throws out a first pitch at a baseball game, leads a dedication to a national memorial, gives a speech at a national event, and other symbolic or ceremonial functions. To many in other nations, the president IS the United States. Perhaps the most important role of the president is being the Chief Executive. This means that the president is the head of the executive branch and is basically the CEO of the nation. The president has a large bureaucracy - numerous bureaus and agencies - that are to help enforce the laws passed by Congress. Throughout our history, the power of the presidency in terms of being the Chief Executive have broadened. One example is the president's ability to issue executive orders, or rules that have the force of law. This power has grown in being an implied power under the Constitution's wording that the president must make sure laws are "faithfully executed." In reality only Congress can make laws according to the Constitution, but the power of executive orders has been allowed and accepted. Presidents have the power to appoint people to various executive positions and also has the ability to fire them as well. The president has the power of impoundment, or the ability to stop a federal department from spending money. The power to grant a pardon or amnesty is also a power the president has as Chief Executive. A third role of the president is that of being Chief Legislator. The president has the power to sign or veto a bill. Also, the president enforces the laws passed by Congress. Congress might pass a law and can override a veto but the president has to do the enforcing. A fourth role of the president is that of economic planner. Presidents develop budget proposals and work to have a vibrant economy. A fifth role is Chief Diplomat. The president determines foreign policy, appoints ambassadors, and has the power to make treaties. The presidents can also make executive agreements with other nations, which are similar to treaties but don't need Senate approval and are not binding when a president leaves office. The president also has the power to recognize foreign governments. A sixth role is Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. Only Congress can declare war, but presidents do commit troops into various actions. Under the War Powers Act, however, the president can only commit troops into combat if the president informs Congress. If Congress doesn't approve then the president would have to withdraw troops.
 * The president can pass rules that have the force of law called...(A) executive privilege (B) executive agreement (C) Chief Executive (D) executive orders (E) all (F) none**


 * The president can make a pact with a foreign leader called an e p---, but is different than a treaty since it isn't b-- once the president leaves office.**


 * How is the War Powers Act an example of a check on the president's power? (A) Congress must approve of the president committing troops (B) Congress can override a veto (C) Congress has to give the president permission to declare war (D) it increases the power of the president (E) all (F) none**

6. Every president has a unique style of leadership. The original intent of the Founders was for the Congress to lead the nation and the president merely be the chief administrator and in times of war the commander-in-chief. However, the president's roles and duties have steadily increased over the years. There are several leadership qualities and skills that are necessary for the president to have success. One is understanding the public. The most successful presidents have a genuine feel for the hopes, fears, and the moods of the nation. Understanding the people is necessary to gain and hold support. Public support is what can give a president leverage in influencing lawmakers. Two is the ability to communicate. Presidents have more success when they're able to inspire the public when presenting ideas. Three is a sense of timing. A successful president must know when the time is right to introduce a new policy, to make a key decision, or to delay such actions. Four is openness to new ideas. Good leadership also requires the capacity to be flexible and open to new ideas. Five goes along with four and that is the ability to compromise. A successful president must be able to compromise. The nature of politics is such that even the president must be willing to give up something to get something in return. Two examples of this include Republican Ronald Reagan working with Democrat Speaker of the House Tip O'Neill in the 1980s and Democrat Bill Clinton working with Republican Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich in the 1990s. Six is political courage. Successful presidents need this because sometimes they have to go against public opinion to do what they think is best. It takes courage to make right decisions that at the time might be unpopular. President are given a great deal of respect and special treatment. Like or dislike the president it's important to respect the office of the presidency. Presidents often enjoy executive privilege. This is the right of the president and other high-ranking executive officers, with the president's consent, to refuse to provide information to Congress or a court. The Constitution does not specify this, but presidents have done this through the principle of separation of powers. There was controversy over this during Watergate when Richard Nixon looked to stop Congress from getting key information.
 * Which is a leadership quality presidents should have? (A) sense of timing (B) be able to communicate agenda to the public (C) be open to new ideas and willing to compromise (D) have political courage to go against public opinion for something vital (E) all (F) none**


 * Which leadership quality do you think is most important? Why?**

7. Hundreds of agencies/bureaus make up the federal bureaucracy. They are staffed by bureaucrats, or civil servants. The federal bureaucracy is organized into departments, agencies, boards, commissions, corporations, and advisory committees. The bureaucracy is to help enforce the law as it is part of the executive branch. In 1801, the federal government employed only 2,120 people mainly as commissioners of Native American affairs, postmasters, customs collectors, tax collectors, marshals, and clerks. Today, the expanded large government employs millions of people in hundreds of thousands of federal buildings scattered across the nation and the world. The State Department is led by the Secretary of State and advises on foreign policy. The State Department is responsible for embassies, or the offices of ambassadors in foreign countries. This department also represents American ideas at the United Nations. The Treasury Department led by the Secretary of the Treasury advises on taxing and spending policies. The IRS enforces tax laws and is part of this department. The U.S. Mint, which prints and coins the nation's money, is also part of this department. The Defense Department led by the Secretary of Defense advises on military and national security. This department has its headquarters in the Pentagon. The Joint Chiefs of Staff are military advisors from each branch of the armed forces and advise the Secretary of Defense. The Justice Department is headed by the Attorney General and advises on legal matters. The FBI and DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) are two major agencies within this department. The Interior Department deals with public lands and natural resources. The National Park Services is part of this department and runs the national parks such as Gettysburg and the Flight 93 memorial in Shanksville. The Agriculture Department advises on farming and helps safeguard the nation's food supply. The Commerce Department deals with the nation's industrial and commercial interests. The Labor Department advises on jobs and workers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is part of this department and analyzes data regarding employment and wages. The Health and Human Services Department advises on matters of public health and manages social services such as Medicare and Medicaid. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) is an agency in this department and inspects food and medicine. The Housing and Urban Development Department advises on government housing and home purchases with mortgages. The Transportation Department advises on the nation's transportation needs. The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) is an agency in this department. The Energy Department advises on America's energy needs and policy. The Education Department advises on concerns dealing the nation's schools. The Veterans Affairs Department advises on policies dealing with our nation's veterans. The Homeland Security Department advises on combating terrorism.
 * Which department is responsible for national and military security? (A) State (B) Defense (C) Treasury (D) Justice (E) Homeland Security (F) National Security Agency (G) Interior (H) Labor (I) Commerce (J) none**


 * Which department is responsible for foreign policy? (A) State (B) Defense (C) Treasury (D) Justice (E) Homeland Security (F) National Security Agency (G) Interior (H) Labor (I) Commerce (J) none**


 * Who heads the Justice Department? (A) Chief Justice of the Supreme Court (B) Secretary of Justice (C) Attorney General (D) Justice Man (E) all (F) none**


 * Which department advises on tax and economic policy? (A) State (B) Defense (C) Treasury (D) Justice (E) Homeland Security (F) National Security Agency (G) Interior (H) Labor (I) Commerce (J) none**


 * Which department combats terrorism? (A) State (B) Defense (C) Treasury (D) Justice (E) Homeland Security (F) National Security Agency (G) Interior (H) Labor (I) Commerce (J) none**

8. There are numerous other bureaus and agencies that are not part of the cabinet. Independent agencies are not part of a cabinet department but are still executive agencies. NASA is one and administers the space program. The GSA (General Services Administration) is responsible for constructing and maintaining all government buildings and supplying equipment for federal offices. The CIA gathers and analyzes intelligence from around the world. The National Archives and Records Administration maintains all government records. There are also government corporations that operate like a business. The TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority) provides electricity to a seven state region. The FDIC insures bank deposits. The postal service is the largest government corporation. There are also regulatory commissions/agencies that are part of the executive branch and make rules in various areas. The EPA regulates on environmental issues. The FCC regulates TV and radio. In recent years, the growth of regulations have become burdensome for businesses to expand and grow.
 * The EPA enforces laws dealing with the (A) economy (B) energy (C) environment (D) equal prices on goods (E) all (F) none**


 * How is the FCC a regulatory commission? (A) it regulates the Internet (B) it regulates TV and radio (C) it regulates movies (D) it isn't a regulatory commission - it's a corporation (E) all (F) none**


 * What is the job of the government corporation FDIC? (A) insures stock exchange runs legally (B) insures insurance policies (C) insures bank deposits (D) it's not a corporation (E) all (F) none**

9. The Civil Service System is the system of federal employees. Federal employees work all around the nation. Only about 11% work inside Washington D.C. Originally, the spoils system determined government jobs as party's rewarded those who were loyal to the party. By the end of the 1800s this changed and now government jobs are based on merit and competitive exams with the most qualified individuals getting the government job. There is still competition for jobs in the federal government. The Office of Personnel Management is responsible for filling federal jobs. Federal jobs are posted online (www.usajobs.gov). Government jobs are attractive due to good salaries and benefits. The Hatch Act is a law that limits how involved federal government employees can become in elections. Think about it, federal employees have their jobs funded by Congress - what if a representative or senator promised more funding if you re-elected? This could create a conflict of interest. The Hatch Act keeps this from happening. The plum book is a name given to the lists of jobs a new president can give to award supporters. On taking office, a new president can fill over 2,000 jobs in the federal bureaucracy. These are jobs outside of the civil service system.
 * How does someone get a job in the civil service today? (A) being a supporter of the president.(B) bribe the president (C) competitive exams or merit (D) be drafted (E) all (F) none**


 * The Hatch Act limits how involved government employees can be in (A) law making (B) elections (C) politics (D) their job (E) all (F) none**

10. Federal bureaucrats help make policy in several ways. The most important involves administering the hundreds of programs that affect all aspects of national life. Bureaucrats often make rules (which in reality is a violation of Article 1 Section 1, but has grown to be considered normal in America today) since Congress passes a law but doesn't spell out exactly what needs to be done to enforce it (part Congress's fault). Bureaucracies therefore shape laws to what they believe was meant. In recent decades, the number of rules and regulations federal agencies issued grew and have become very burdensome for businesses to have incentives to grow, hire, and expand. With more regulations comes more paperwork and legalities that also overwhelm businesses, especially small businesses. The "Iron Triangle" below shows how bureaucracy, interest groups, and the Congress all play a role in making policy. It's important to understand this concept to see how our public policy is influenced. This happens at all levels of government.
 * Explain the parts of the Iron Triangle.**

Back to the Chapter 5 main page