Define the unitary theory of the executive and describe how it fits with the exercise of executive power
Using relevant examples, compare and contrast the relative success that Congress has had in constraining executive power with the relative success that presidents have had in gaining concessions (even if briefly) from Congress.Which branch has been more successful?
The ideal answer should:
a. Define the unitary theory of the executive as the legal argument that presidents retain unrivaled control over the federal bureaucracy, and identify that presidents often invoke this theory as they seek power to help achieve their goals.
b. Discuss various ways in which Congress has successfully constrained presidential power; possible examples include: Jimmy Carter's struggle to pass various bills through Congress, Abraham Lincoln's struggles during the Civil War, and Barack Obama's 2011 jobs bill failure and difficulties because of partisan control of Congress (divided government).
c. Discuss various ways that presidents have successfully gained concessions from Congress; possible examples include: the brief existence of the line-item veto; executive agreements; lack of enforcement of the Wars Powers Resolution (1974 ); executive agreements; and signing statements.
d. Contrast the constraints with the concessions, and present an argument on whether Congress or the president has been more successful.
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Walter Lippman was a well-known public opinion scholar of the early twentieth century. What was Lippman’s primary argument concerning public opinion and politics?
a. Voting should be left to those who demonstrate an appropriate level of knowledge. b. Americans are highly capable and are willing to seek the information necessary to make an informed choice in the voting process. c. Voters in certain regions lack the ability or desire to effectively learn about the issues and to seek the necessary information to make an informed choice. d. Only those who have a formal education should be allowed to vote. e. Citizens invest very little energy and effort in acquiring information about politics, and as a consequence, the public lacks the necessary knowledge for their opinions to provide value.
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) was created as a result of the ______.
A. Congressional Budget and Impoundment Act of 1974 B. Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 C. Banking Act of 1933 D. Budget and Accounting Act of 1921