The Modern President's Job

What did President John F. Kennedy mean when he referred to the presidency as an "awesome burden"?

• It is a role filled with great responsibilities and challenges.

• It is an easy job that anyone can handle.

• It is a ceremonial position with no real power.

• It is a burden that is shared with other branches of government.

As chief executive, how many federal officials is the president responsible for appointing to keep the bureaucracy running?

• Over 2 million

• 4,000

• 1,000

• 500

What can undo an executive order issued by the president?

• A new law passed by Congress

• A veto by the vice president

• The next administration or a declaration of unconstitutionality by the Supreme Court

• A national referendum

Who holds the position of chief executive and chief of state in the United States?

• The prime minister

• The president

• The monarch

• The vice president

What is one of the limits placed on the president's control over the armed forces?

• The president can appoint military leaders without approval.

• Congress has the power to declare war.

• The president has unlimited power during wartime.

• The military can act independently of the president.

What role does the president play in U.S. foreign policy?

• Chief economist

• Chief legislator

• Chief diplomat

• Chief of party

What did President Washington do in 1789 that set a precedent for seeking the Senate's advice on treaties?

• He wrote a treaty with the Creek tribe and sent it to the Senate for approval.

• He sought the Senate's advice on a proposed treaty with the Creek tribe.

• He ignored the Senate's advice and made a treaty with the Creek tribe.

• He made a treaty with the Creek tribe without consulting the Senate.

Which of the following is a tool the president can use to shape policy?

• Controlling the money supply

• Writing federal budget and tax policy

• Vetoing bills

• Appointing members of the Federal Reserve Board

As chief of party, what might the president do to support their political party?

• Control the money supply

• Negotiate foreign treaties

• Take part in campaign fundraising or other campaign events

• Write federal budget and tax policy

In times of crisis or tragedy, how does the president fulfill the role of chief citizen?

• By controlling the money supply

• By writing federal budget and tax policy

• By informing, inspiring, and comforting the American people

• By seeking the Senate's advice on treaties