American Presidency

Test Study Guide

Here are a list of the topics for Test 1 

• definition of the modern preisdency
• factors that have led to the modern presidency
• post modern presidency
• roles of the president
• conclusions about ability of a person to perform the numerous roles
• paradoxes of the presidency
• substance of a presidential campaign

There will be two chapters from the Koenig text, 7 and 13.
Also be sure and read the article on the post modern presidency that you can find under Topics and Readings.

The major focus of our discussion on the president and Congress dealt with the resources the president can use to convince the Congress or get members to vote with him.  We also discussed the factors that serve as obstacles to presidential success. 
You should know what the post modern presidency means.  What factors have led to it and what it means for President Clinton? 
You need to know  the arguments made by those who do not think the presidency has diminished powers. 
The last topic we covered is the personality issue.  Starting with Barber's character types study what the four types are like and examples of presidents that fit in each category.  Also review what we know about personality traits and how they can effect the presidency.  What traits are needed in a person to become president and to be successful as president. 
Note:  If you have any questions or problems with any of this be sure and contact me.  If it is during the break email me at home or talk to me at school, if it can wait.
 

Here are a list of the topics for Test 1 

• roles of the president
• factors that have led to the modern presidency
• paradoxes of the presidency
• limiting factors on presidential power
• impeachment
• presidential popularity and political power
• resources of power
• president in the constitution

1. formal roles found in the Constitution
2. informal roles developed over time
3. how the president uses these different job descriptions to consolidate power 

1. USA as a world power after WWII
2. cold war
3. nuclear age
4. expectations of  the public, congress, other world leaders, the presidents own perception of the office, etc.

Paradoxes 
(see the article in the Topics and Readings) 

Limiting factors 

1. Congress
2. Supreme Court
3. Public Opinion
4. Other world leaders
5. etc.

1. How we determine what is an impeachable offense.
2. Arguments for and against impeaching Clinton
3. Reasons Clinton was not impeached
4. Future of Impeachment

1. What makes popularity go up
2. What makes popularity go down
3. Why Clinton's popularity has stayed up

• formal powers
• informal powers
• personality characteristics
• etc.