AP Review Quiz Chapter 12
- 1.
Unlike a prime minister, the president selects his cabinet officers and advisers to
- A.
Help control Congress.
- B.
Reward personal followers.
- C.
Ensure that both parties are represented.
- D.
Appease the electorate.
- E.
Pacify interest groups.
Correct Answer
B. Reward personal followers.Explanation
The president selects his cabinet officers and advisers to reward personal followers. This means that the president chooses individuals who have been loyal and supportive to him personally, rather than selecting based on their qualifications or expertise. By rewarding personal followers, the president can maintain a strong support base and ensure loyalty within his administration. This practice is often seen as a way for the president to consolidate power and maintain control over the government.Rate this question:
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- 2.
If the Framers had decided to have the president chosen by Congress, we could reasonably expect Congress to dominate the president
- A.
And to control the military.
- B.
And to pick the cabinet.
- C.
Or the president to ignore Congress.
- D.
Or the president to corrupt the legislature.
- E.
Or the president to capitulate to the judiciary.
Correct Answer
D. Or the president to corrupt the legislature.Explanation
If the Framers had decided to have the president chosen by Congress, it is likely that Congress would have a significant influence over the president. This could lead to a situation where the president is more likely to corrupt the legislature in order to maintain their power and control. With Congress having the authority to choose the president, the president might resort to unethical practices or bribery to ensure their interests are protected and to manipulate legislation in their favor. This would undermine the checks and balances system that the Framers intended to establish.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Once concern expressed at the convention focused on the possibility that shared powers would cause the president to be a mere "tool" of
- A.
The House of Representatives.
- B.
The Senate
- C.
The Supreme Court
- D.
The Electoral College
- E.
Special interest groups.
Correct Answer
B. The SenateExplanation
The concern expressed at the convention was that shared powers would cause the president to be a mere "tool" of the Senate. This suggests that the Senate would have significant influence over the president's decision-making and actions, potentially undermining the president's independence and ability to act in the best interest of the nation.Rate this question:
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- 4.
The Framers solved the problem of how to elect the president by
- A.
Forming a quasi-parliamentary system of government.
- B.
Providing for constitutional amendments.
- C.
Forming the House Election Committee.
- D.
Creating the Committee on Detail.
- E.
Creating the Electoral College.
Correct Answer
E. Creating the Electoral College.Explanation
The correct answer is creating the Electoral College. The Framers of the Constitution established the Electoral College as a method to elect the president. They were concerned about the balance of power between the states and the national government, as well as the potential influence of the general public in direct elections. The Electoral College is a compromise system where each state has a certain number of electors based on its representation in Congress, and these electors ultimately vote for the president. This system allows for a combination of popular vote and state representation in the election process.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Presidents have been limited to two terms by the
- A.
14th Amendment.
- B.
16th Amendment.
- C.
19th Amendment.
- D.
21st Amendment
- E.
22nd Amendment.
Correct Answer
E. 22nd Amendment.Explanation
The 22nd Amendment is the correct answer because it is the amendment that limits presidents to serving only two terms in office. This amendment was ratified in 1951 in response to Franklin D. Roosevelt's four-term presidency, which raised concerns about the potential for a president to hold power for an extended period. The 22nd Amendment ensures that there is a limit on the number of terms a president can serve, promoting a rotation of power and preventing the consolidation of power in one individual.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which of the following statements is INCORRECT?
- A.
In order to win an election, a candidate must receive at least half of the votes of the electoral college.
- B.
Each state receives an electoral vote for each number it has in the House.
- C.
In some states, electoral votes can be split.
- D.
State electors assemble in their state capitals to cast their ballots.
- E.
Electoral ballots are opened before a joint session of Congress during the first week in January.
Correct Answer
B. Each state receives an electoral vote for each number it has in the House.Explanation
The statement "Each state receives an electoral vote for each number it has in the House" is incorrect. In the electoral college system, each state receives electoral votes equal to the total number of its representatives in Congress, which includes both the House of Representatives and the Senate. The number of representatives in the House is based on the state's population, while each state has two senators. Therefore, the correct statement should be "Each state receives an electoral vote for each number it has in the House and the Senate."Rate this question:
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- 7.
Which of the following statements about elections thrown into the House of Representatives is INCORRECT?
- A.
The House chooses from among the top two candidates.
- B.
Each state casts one vote.
- C.
A state's vote is given to the candidate preferred by the majority of the state's House delegation.
- D.
If there is a tie within a state, that state's vote is not counted.
- E.
This process is only used when no candidate receives a majority of the votes of the electoral college.
Correct Answer
A. The House chooses from among the top two candidates.Explanation
The statement that is incorrect is "The House chooses from among the top two candidates." In reality, the House chooses from among the top three candidates, not just the top two. This is stated in the 12th Amendment of the United States Constitution.Rate this question:
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- 8.
The personality of which president began to alter the relationship between the president and Congress and the nature of presidential leadership?
- A.
Andrew Jackson
- B.
Ulysses S. Grant
- C.
Richard Nixon
- D.
Jimmy Carter
- E.
Warren G. Harding
Correct Answer
A. Andrew JacksonExplanation
Andrew Jackson's presidency marked a significant shift in the relationship between the president and Congress, as well as the nature of presidential leadership. Jackson was known for his strong-willed and assertive personality, which allowed him to exert more influence over Congress and assert presidential power. He expanded the power of the presidency by utilizing his veto power more frequently than any of his predecessors, challenging the authority of Congress. Jackson's presidency also saw the rise of the "spoils system," where political supporters were rewarded with government positions, further altering the dynamics of presidential leadership.Rate this question:
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- 9.
The era from 1836 to 1932 is commonly viewed as one of
- A.
Presidential dominance.
- B.
A true balance of powers.
- C.
Supreme Court dominance.
- D.
Presidential and Supreme Court dominance
- E.
Congressional dominance.
Correct Answer
E. Congressional dominance.Explanation
The era from 1836 to 1932 is commonly viewed as one of congressional dominance because during this time period, Congress held significant power and influence. This was a time of great legislative activity, with Congress passing numerous important laws and shaping national policies. Additionally, the presidents during this era often had to work closely with Congress to achieve their goals, and the Supreme Court played a relatively limited role in shaping the nation's laws and policies. Therefore, congressional dominance is the most fitting explanation for the given answer.Rate this question:
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- 10.
The powers that the president shares with the Senate include
- A.
Receiving ambassadors.
- B.
Making treaties.
- C.
Granting pardons for federal offenses.
- D.
Wielding legislative power.
- E.
Commission officers of the armed forces.
Correct Answer
B. Making treaties.Explanation
The president shares the power of making treaties with the Senate. This means that both the president and the Senate have a role in negotiating and approving international agreements. The president has the authority to negotiate treaties, but they cannot become binding without the approval of two-thirds of the Senate. This division of power ensures that the president does not have unchecked authority in foreign affairs and that there is a system of checks and balances in place.Rate this question:
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- 11.
The greatest source of presidential power lies in
- A.
The U.S. Constitution.
- B.
Interpretation of laws.
- C.
The execution of laws.
- D.
Foreign-policy formulation.
- E.
Politics and public opinion.
Correct Answer
E. Politics and public opinion.Explanation
The greatest source of presidential power lies in politics and public opinion. This is because the president's ability to influence and shape public opinion can greatly impact their ability to govern effectively. Public support and approval can give the president the political capital needed to push their agenda and pass legislation. Additionally, the president's ability to navigate and manipulate the political landscape, build coalitions, and garner support from key stakeholders can also greatly enhance their power and influence. While the U.S. Constitution, interpretation of laws, the execution of laws, and foreign-policy formulation are all important sources of presidential power, politics and public opinion have the greatest potential to shape and define the president's authority.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The rule of propinquity states that
- A.
Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
- B.
Power tends to be shared most evenly when leadership is weakest.
- C.
Power tends to be wielded by the people who are in the room where a decision is made.
- D.
Power is greatest when legitimacy is strongest.
- E.
Power is rarely distinguishable from wealth and fame.
Correct Answer
C. Power tends to be wielded by the people who are in the room where a decision is made.Explanation
The rule of propinquity suggests that power tends to be wielded by the people who are in the room where a decision is made. This means that those who are physically present and directly involved in the decision-making process are more likely to have influence and control over the exercise of power. This concept highlights the importance of proximity and access to decision-making spaces in determining power dynamics.Rate this question:
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- 13.
The principal function of the White House Office is to
- A.
Oversee the political and policy interests of the president.
- B.
Administer federal departments as the president's representative.
- C.
Prepare the national budget for the president.
- D.
Supervise the national security agencies, such as the CIA and the FBI.
- E.
Supervise military intelligence agencies.
Correct Answer
A. Oversee the political and policy interests of the president.Explanation
The White House Office is responsible for overseeing the political and policy interests of the president. This means that they are in charge of managing and coordinating the president's political agenda, as well as ensuring that their policy goals are being implemented effectively. They may work closely with other departments and agencies to ensure that the president's priorities are being addressed and that their political and policy objectives are being achieved.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Presidents arrange their personal staffs by using one of these three organizational methods:
- A.
Intuitive, pyramid, and circular
- B.
Pyramid,ad hoc, and circular
- C.
Intuitive, ad hoc, and circular
- D.
Intuitive, pyramid, and ad hoc
- E.
Tubular, linear, and circular
Correct Answer
B. Pyramid,ad hoc, and circularExplanation
Presidents arrange their personal staffs using a pyramid organizational method, where there is a hierarchical structure with the president at the top and multiple levels of staff below. They also use an ad hoc method, which means they assemble a team or staff for a specific purpose or task. Additionally, they use a circular method, which involves a more collaborative and inclusive approach to decision-making, with input from various staff members.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Included in the Executive Office of the president are all of the following EXCEPT
- A.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
- B.
The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
- C.
The Council of Economic Advisers (CEA)
- D.
The Office of Technology Assessment (OTA).
- E.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (OUSTR).
Correct Answer
D. The Office of Technology Assessment (OTA).Explanation
The Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) is not included in the Executive Office of the president. The other options listed, such as the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the Council of Economic Advisers (CEA), and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (OUSTR), are all part of the Executive Office of the president.Rate this question:
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- 16.
One reason a president has relatively little power over his/her cabinet departments is because he/she
- A.
Cannot appoint their heads.
- B.
Requires Senate approval of his choices for heads of these departments.
- C.
Must share power with the judicial branch of government.
- D.
Must share power with the legislative branch of government.
- E.
Cannot appoint more than a fraction of their employees.
Correct Answer
E. Cannot appoint more than a fraction of their employees.Explanation
The correct answer is that a president cannot appoint more than a fraction of their employees. This means that while a president can appoint the heads of cabinet departments, they have limited control over the rest of the employees within those departments. This is because many positions within the federal government are filled through a merit-based civil service system, where individuals are hired based on their qualifications rather than political affiliation. As a result, the president has limited power to directly influence the hiring and firing of employees within the cabinet departments.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Which of the following statements about the effect of presidential coattails on congressional elections is true?
- A.
It has increased in recent years.
- B.
It has benefited Democrats, but not Republicans.
- C.
It has been a consistently powerful factor in recent years.
- D.
It has been a consistently negative factor in recent years.
- E.
It has decreased in recent years.
Correct Answer
E. It has decreased in recent years.Explanation
In recent years, the effect of presidential coattails on congressional elections has decreased. This means that the influence of a presidential candidate on the success of their party's candidates in congressional elections has become less significant. This could be due to various factors such as changing political dynamics, increased polarization, or a shift in voter behavior. Regardless of the specific reasons, the data suggests that presidential coattails have become less powerful in recent years.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Members of Congress pay attention to the personal popularity of a president because
- A.
The president may be called upon to campaign for them.
- B.
The president may campaign against them in a primary.
- C.
Many members of Congress have aspirations to the presidency.
- D.
Politicians tend to rise and fall together.
- E.
Interest group contributions often depend on perceptions of proximity with popular presidents.
Correct Answer
D. Politicians tend to rise and fall together.Explanation
Politicians tend to rise and fall together because the popularity of a president can have a significant impact on the success or failure of other politicians. If a president is popular, it can boost the chances of members of Congress from the same party in their re-election campaigns. Conversely, if a president is unpopular, it can negatively affect the chances of other politicians from the same party. Therefore, members of Congress pay attention to the personal popularity of a president as it can influence their own political fortunes.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Impeachment does not necessarily mean guilt.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Impeachment refers to the process of charging a public official, typically a high-ranking government official, with misconduct or wrongdoing. It is important to note that impeachment does not automatically imply guilt or removal from office. Instead, it is a formal accusation that initiates a trial in which evidence is presented and a decision is made regarding the official's guilt or innocence. Therefore, the statement "Impeachment does not necessarily mean guilt" is true, as it acknowledges that being impeached does not automatically indicate that the official is guilty of the charges brought against them.Rate this question:
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- 20.
The Supreme Court rules whether a disabled president should continue to serve in office.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The Supreme Court does not have the authority to rule on whether a disabled president should continue to serve in office. The decision to remove a president from office due to disability is outlined in the 25th Amendment of the United States Constitution, which involves a process that includes the Vice President and the majority of the Cabinet. Therefore, the statement is false.Rate this question:
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- 21.
Veto power and executive privilege give a president both a way of blocking action and a
- A.
Route of appeal to the people.
- B.
Means of affecting the party platform.
- C.
Trump card to play with the media.
- D.
Means of forcing Congress to bargain.
- E.
Means of overriding the influence of special interests.
Correct Answer
D. Means of forcing Congress to bargain.Explanation
Veto power and executive privilege allow the president to reject legislation proposed by Congress, forcing them to negotiate and compromise in order to pass bills. By threatening to veto or using executive privilege, the president can leverage their power to push Congress to make concessions and reach agreements. This gives the president a means of forcing Congress to bargain and work towards finding common ground on important issues.Rate this question:
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- 22.
A bill is passed to the president for action while Congress is still in session. After 10 days the president still has not signed it. What happens to the bill?
- A.
It is returned to Congress.
- B.
It is vetoed.
- C.
It becomes law.
- D.
Nothing. The president has 30 days to act on a bill.
- E.
Nothing. The president has 90 days to act on a bill.
Correct Answer
C. It becomes law.Explanation
If a bill is passed to the president for action while Congress is still in session and after 10 days the president still has not signed it, the bill automatically becomes law. This is known as a pocket veto. However, if Congress adjourns before the 10-day period is over, the bill does not become law and is returned to Congress.Rate this question:
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- 23.
The presidential claims for executive privilege are based on the separation of powers and on
- A.
The U.S. Constitution.
- B.
The need for cooperation with Congress.
- C.
International law.
- D.
Marbury v. Madison
- E.
The need for candid advice from aides.
Correct Answer
E. The need for candid advice from aides.Explanation
The correct answer is "the need for candid advice from aides." The presidential claims for executive privilege are based on the understanding that the President requires confidential and honest advice from their aides in order to effectively carry out their duties. This privilege allows the President to withhold certain information from Congress or the public in order to protect the integrity of the decision-making process. It is rooted in the belief that open and honest discussions between the President and their advisors are essential for effective governance.Rate this question:
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- 24.
A president's reorganization of the Executive Office can occur only in consultation with Congress.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The statement is true because according to the U.S. Constitution, the president has the power to reorganize the Executive Office, but this power is not absolute. The president must consult with Congress before making any significant changes to the structure or organization of the Executive Office. This requirement ensures a system of checks and balances, allowing Congress to have some oversight and influence over the president's decisions regarding the Executive Office.Rate this question:
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- 25.
The only official task of the vice president is to preside over the Senate and to vote in case of a tie.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The vice president's main role is to preside over the Senate and cast a vote in the event of a tie. This is outlined in the Constitution, which grants the vice president the authority to preside over the Senate and fulfill this specific duty. While the vice president may have other responsibilities and roles within the administration, such as advising the president or representing the administration, their official task as outlined in the Constitution is to preside over the Senate and vote in the case of a tie.Rate this question:
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