Chapter 14: The Presidency T/F
These days especially, everyone and their mother has an opinion on the American Presidency, for good or for bad. In this quiz we aim to test your knowledge purely on the facts, however, in a simple True or False format to see how much you know about presidency in the USA.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
The popularly elected president is an American invention.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The statement is true because the concept of a popularly elected president was indeed invented in America. The United States was the first country to establish a democratic system where the president is elected directly by the people through a voting process. This system was established with the adoption of the U.S. Constitution in 1787, making it a significant development in the history of democratic governance. The idea of a popularly elected president has since been adopted by many other countries around the world.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Democratic president Jimmy Carter could not get the Democratic-controlled Senate to ratify his strategic arms limitation treaty.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
During his presidency, Jimmy Carter negotiated the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT II) with the Soviet Union. However, despite being a Democratic president, he faced difficulties in getting the Democratic-controlled Senate to ratify the treaty. This was due to various factors, including concerns about the treaty's impact on national security and disagreements over its provisions. As a result, the statement that Carter could not get the Democratic-controlled Senate to ratify his strategic arms limitation treaty is true.Rate this question:
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- 3.
In a typical presidential election, one half of all voters will vote for one party's candidate for president and the other party's candidate for Congress.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
It would be more accurate to say that thi happens among one-fourth voters.Rate this question:
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- 4.
The general assumption of the Framers of the Constitution was that George Washington would be the first president.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The general assumption of the Framers of the Constitution was that George Washington would be the first president because he was highly respected and admired for his leadership during the Revolutionary War. Additionally, Washington had played a crucial role in the Constitutional Convention and was seen as a unifying figure who could bring stability to the newly formed nation. Therefore, it was widely expected that he would be chosen as the first president, which ultimately turned out to be true.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Presidential elections have never been decided by the House of Representatives.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The presidential election went ot hte House in 1800 and 1824Rate this question:
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- 6.
The Framers expected that the House of Representatives would frequently select the President.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The explanation for the given correct answer is that the Framers of the Constitution believed in a system of checks and balances, and they wanted to ensure that the President would not have too much power. By allowing the House of Representatives to frequently select the President, it would provide a mechanism for the people's representatives to have a say in the selection process and prevent any one branch of government from becoming too dominant. This was seen as a way to safeguard against potential abuses of power and maintain a balance of power within the government.Rate this question:
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- 7.
George Washington limited himself to two terms.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
George Washington limited himself to two terms as President of the United States. This was not a legal requirement at the time, but rather a personal choice made by Washington to set a precedent for future presidents. By voluntarily stepping down after two terms, Washington established the tradition of a two-term limit for presidents, which was later formalized into law with the passage of the 22nd Amendment in 1951. Therefore, the statement is true.Rate this question:
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- 8.
George Washington was a strong supporter of political parties.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Washington spoke out strongly against parties.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Congress decided no president's image would appear on currency until after his death.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The statement suggests that Congress made a decision to not feature any president's image on currency until after their death. This means that while a president is alive, their image will not be used on any currency. Therefore, the answer "True" indicates that the statement is correct.Rate this question:
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- 10.
The Nation's early presidents made extensive use of the veto power.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Vetoes were used sparingly and only when presidents believed legislation violated the Constitution. Washington cast two. Jefferson and Adams cast none.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Although he had been elected as a military hero, Andrew Jackson had also been a member of both the House and the Senate.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Andrew Jackson's military career and political experience are well-documented. He gained popularity and recognition as a military hero during the War of 1812 and the First Seminole War. In addition to his military achievements, Jackson also had a successful political career. He served as a member of the House of Representatives from 1796 to 1797 and later as a senator from Tennessee from 1797 to 1798. Therefore, it is true that Andrew Jackson had been a member of both the House and the Senate, in addition to being a military hero.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Abraham Lincoln praised Andrew Jackson's exceptional use of executive authority.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Lincoln opposed America's entry into the War and was critical of Jackson's use of executive authority.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Lincoln raised an army and spent money without prior approval of Congress.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
During the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln did indeed raise an army and spend money without prior approval from Congress. As the commander-in-chief, Lincoln took necessary actions to preserve the Union, including increasing the size of the military and funding war efforts. This was done to respond swiftly to the crisis and protect the nation's interests, even if it meant bypassing the usual legislative processes. Lincoln's actions were later justified under his constitutional authority as the president during times of emergency.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclomation Act without prior congressional approval.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The Emancipation Proclamation Act was indeed issued by Lincoln without prior congressional approval. This act, signed on January 1, 1863, declared that all slaves in Confederate territory were to be set free. Lincoln used his executive power as the President to issue this proclamation as a wartime measure, aimed at weakening the Confederacy and strengthening the Union's cause. While the act did not immediately free all slaves, it laid the groundwork for the eventual abolition of slavery in the United States.Rate this question:
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- 15.
The Clean Air Act (1990) and the Welfare REform Act (1996) were both bill deigned by Congress, not by the president.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The Clean Air Act (1990) and the Welfare Reform Act (1996) were both bills designed by Congress, not by the president. This means that the legislation was proposed, drafted, and passed through the legislative process by members of Congress, rather than being initiated or created by the president. The president's role in the legislative process is to either sign bills passed by Congress into law or veto them. Therefore, the statement that these acts were designed by Congress, not by the president, is true.Rate this question:
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- 16.
From the Eisenhower years through the Reagan administration, Congress often took the lead in setting the legislative agenda.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
During the period from the Eisenhower years through the Reagan administration, Congress frequently played a proactive role in determining the legislative agenda. This implies that Congress was actively involved in proposing, shaping, and passing laws, rather than simply reacting to the President's agenda. This is supported by historical evidence, as many significant legislative initiatives were initiated and driven by Congress during this time frame. Therefore, the statement "Congress often took the lead in setting the legislative agenda" is true.Rate this question:
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- 17.
The text suggests presidents like to pretend the White House is not the large bureaucracy that it in fact has become.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The text implies that presidents prefer to ignore or downplay the fact that the White House has grown into a large bureaucracy. This suggests that they may want to maintain an image of simplicity and accessibility, rather than acknowledging the complex administrative structure that exists.Rate this question:
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- 18.
President Carter employed the pyramid structure for organization of personal staff.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
THe text suggests Carter employed a "circular structure" of cabinet organization.Rate this question:
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- 19.
There are ten major executive departments headed by cabinet officers.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Today, there are 14 executive departments.Rate this question:
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- 20.
A president rarely knows more than a few of the people that he appoints.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The statement suggests that a president typically appoints a large number of individuals to various positions, and it is unlikely for the president to personally know all of them. This is because the president has limited time and resources to interact with each appointee individually. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that a president rarely knows more than a few of the people that he appoints.Rate this question:
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- 21.
According to the text, much of Eisenhower's bumbling, incoherent manner of speaking was a strategic "public disguise."
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The explanation for the answer being true is that the text states that Eisenhower's bumbling and incoherent manner of speaking was actually a deliberate strategy to disguise his true intentions and thoughts from the public. This suggests that his seemingly clumsy speech was a calculated act, rather than a reflection of his actual communication abilities.Rate this question:
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- 22.
Richard Nixon thrived on personal confrontation and face-to-face encounters with other politicians.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Nixon disliked personal confrontations and tended to shield himself behind an elaborate staff system.Rate this question:
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- 23.
Presidents have made fewer and fewer impromptu remarks in the years since Franklin Roosevelt held office.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The given statement suggests that presidents have made fewer impromptu remarks over time, specifically since Franklin Roosevelt's presidency. This implies that presidents have become more cautious and scripted in their public speeches, possibly due to the increasing importance of media coverage and potential political consequences. Therefore, the answer "True" indicates that the statement accurately reflects the trend of presidents making fewer impromptu remarks.Rate this question:
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- 24.
President Roosevelt failed to "purge" members of Congress who opposed his program.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
During President Roosevelt's time, he attempted to remove or get rid of members of Congress who opposed his program. However, he ultimately failed in his efforts to completely "purge" these individuals from Congress. Therefore, the statement is true.Rate this question:
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- 25.
Some presidents have not experienced a "honeymoon" in the sense of initially high levels of public support and congressional compliance.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
This statement suggests that there have been presidents who did not experience a period of initially high levels of public support and congressional compliance, which is commonly referred to as a "honeymoon" period. This implies that not all presidents have had a smooth start to their presidency, facing challenges and opposition from the public and Congress from the beginning. Therefore, the answer is true.Rate this question:
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- 26.
Most state governors possess the power of the line-tem veto.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
State governors do possess the power of the line-item veto. This power allows them to veto specific provisions or spending items within a larger bill without vetoing the entire bill. The line-item veto is a tool that gives governors the ability to exercise greater control over the budget and make targeted changes to legislation. It is a power that is commonly granted to governors in order to ensure fiscal responsibility and accountability.Rate this question:
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- 27.
In 1996, Congress effectively gave the president the power of the line item veto with the introduction fo the "enhanced rescission."
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
In 1996, Congress introduced the "enhanced rescission," which effectively gave the president the power of the line item veto. This means that the president can now selectively veto specific provisions of a bill without having to veto the entire bill. Therefore, the statement that Congress gave the president the power of the line item veto with the introduction of the "enhanced rescission" is true.Rate this question:
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- 28.
The Supreme Court upheld the power of the president to carve up legislation, retaining only those parts with which he is in agreement.Th
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The Supreme Court decided the line item veto was unconstitutional.Rate this question:
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- 29.
The Constitution specifically requires the president to divulge private communications between himself and his princiapl advisors if a congressional investigation demands such information.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
THe Constitution says nothing about the topic.Rate this question:
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- 30.
For most of our nation's history, there was no serious challenge to the claim of presidential confidentiality.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Throughout most of our nation's history, the claim of presidential confidentiality was not seriously challenged. This suggests that there were no significant legal or political efforts to undermine the idea that the President should have the right to keep certain information confidential. This is likely due to the belief that confidentiality is necessary for effective governance and national security. However, it is important to note that this statement does not imply that there were absolutely no challenges to presidential confidentiality, but rather that such challenges were not significant or widespread.Rate this question:
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- 31.
The Constitution specifically requires the president to spend money that is appropriated by Congress.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
THe Constitution is silent on the topic.Rate this question:
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- 32.
The text suggests that a 60-hour workweek is typical for a president.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
THe text acutally suggests that a 90 hour week is "typical" for a president.Rate this question:
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- 33.
THe Supreme Court has declared so-called legislative vetoes unconstitutional.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The Supreme Court has ruled that legislative vetoes are unconstitutional. This means that the practice of allowing the legislative branch to overturn or modify executive actions without going through the usual legislative process is no longer permitted. This decision ensures that the separation of powers is upheld and prevents any one branch of government from exerting too much control or authority over the others. Therefore, the statement "The Supreme Court has declared so-called legislative vetoes unconstitutional" is true.Rate this question:
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- 34.
Presidents routinely complain of what they feel is the limited scope of their power.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Presidents often express frustration with what they perceive as the restricted extent of their authority. This is because they are bound by the Constitution, which outlines the separation of powers and places certain limitations on their actions. Additionally, presidents must navigate the political landscape and work with other branches of government to achieve their policy goals. These factors contribute to the perception that the scope of presidential power is limited.Rate this question:
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- 35.
In 1841, John Tyler became the first vice president to become president because of the death of his predecessor.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
John Tyler became the first vice president to become president because of the death of his predecessor. This means that the previous president died while in office, leading to Tyler assuming the presidency. This is a historical fact and is true.Rate this question:
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- 36.
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 explanation for the answer being True is that according to the United States Constitution, the vice president's primary role is to serve as the president of the Senate. This means they preside over Senate sessions, maintain order, and can only cast a vote in the event of a tie. While the vice president may have other responsibilities and duties, such as advising the president or representing the administration, their only official task as outlined in the Constitution is to preside over the Senate and vote in case of a tie.Rate this question:
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- 37.
The 25th Amendment to the Constituion addresses the problem of presidential succession.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The 25th Amendment to the Constitution is indeed related to the issue of presidential succession. It was ratified in 1967 and provides guidelines for the transfer of power in case the President is unable to fulfill their duties, whether due to death, resignation, or temporary incapacity. It establishes the procedures for the Vice President to assume the presidency and also outlines the process for appointing a new Vice President if that position becomes vacant. Therefore, the statement "The 25th Amendment to the Constitution addresses the problem of presidential succession" is true.Rate this question:
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
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