American Gov’t Ch. 13 – Flashcards
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Chief executive
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President has executive power of the nation
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Chief diplomat
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President is the main architect of foreign policy
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Commander in chief
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Leader of the nation's armed forces
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What is the origin of the no-third-term tradition?
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Came from George Washington's refusal to serve a third term
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Which President broke with this tradition?
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Franklin D Roosevelt
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What is the maximum number of terms that today's Presidents may serve?
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2 terms (8 years)
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Why have some critics called for a repeal of the 22nd Amendment?
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They feel it places an arbitrary limit on the right of the people to choose their president
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How does the Constitution ensure a smooth transition of power in the event of a presidential disability?
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The 25th amendment provides specific rules for the Vice president to become acting president
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Explain how the Constitution and the Presidential Succession Act of 1947 address the issue of presidential succession.
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It specifies who shall become president in the case the president is incapacitated. Vice President, Speaker of the House, President protem of the senate, secretary of state.
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How does the Constitution describe the role of the Vice President?
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The rule over the Senate and to help decide the question of the presidential disability
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How does this description relate to the office's reputation?
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throughout history VP's have not been afforded much respect
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Describe the Framers' plan for the selection of the nation's President.
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The plan called for a special body of electors to cast two votes, each for a different candidate; the candidate with the most would become president, the second most vice president
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Why did the electoral college cease to function as the Framers had intended?
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the system broke down with the rise of political party and other partisan politics
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What was the purpose of the 12th Amendment?
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12th amendment - Changed the way the vice president and president are elected
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How do presidential primaries differ from the caucus-convention process?
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All party members get to vote in the presidential primaries whereas they do not in the caucus system.
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For what major purposes do parties hold national conventions?
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National conventions are held for the purpose of nominating both the president and vice president to run for the presidential elections. The conventions are also used to adopt changes into the party
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What have been the effects of the Democrats' proportional representation rule?
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Several states have given the process of popular selection of candidates
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How are electors chosen for the electoral college?
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they are chosen by popular votes in every state, usually on a winner take all basis
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How are electoral votes counted?
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On January 6, the president of the senate opens the electoral votes and counts them before a joint session of congress
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On what grounds is the electoral college system criticized?
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Critics complain that the winner of the popular vote is not guaranteed the presidency that electors are not required to vote in accord with the popular vote and that any election has the potential to be decided in the house
