USG 14.4 President's Legislative & Judicial Powers

Match the descriptions with the correct term.

• amnesty

• a postponement of the execution of a sentence imposed by a court

• pardon

• a general pardon

• line-item veto

• a reduction in the severity of a sentence or a fine imposed by a court.

• reprieve

• the power to cancel specific dollar amounts in spending bills

• commutation

• legal forgiveness of a crime

When President Nixon accepted the pardon extended by President Ford, it was understood that __________.

• a. there would still be a trial to determine his guilt.

• b. he was admitting guilt.

• c. there was no wrongdoing on his part.

• d. he would never again seek or accept public office.

A “pocket veto” is used only

• a. on appropriations bills.

• b. at the end of a congressional session.

• c. when a regular veto would be overridden.

• d. when the President does not wish to take a stand on an issue.

In Clinton v. New York City the Supreme Court struck down the President’s

• a. power to introduce legislation.

• b. option of vetoing a bill simply by failing to sign it.

• c. right to reduce the sentence of a convicted felon.

• d. authority to use the line-item veto.

Which of the following is an example of the President’s ability to check the power of Congress?

• a. veto

• b. reprieve

• c. commutation

• d. all of the above

The President does NOT have the power to

• a. call special sessions of Congress.

• b. adjourn Congress when the House and Senate cannot agree on a date for adjournment.

• c. propose legislation.

• d. make someone accept a pardon.