Same rules as the past tests. Two full paragraphs, well written and researched, gets an A. Less gets less.
1. What role does the executive branch play in the American constitutional system? Outline the design of both the United States and Texas executive. What dangers posed by the very existence of an executive? How does each system check executive power? Give examples.
2. What was “king caucus?” How did this system limit the power of the president and how has the current electoral system strengthen it?
3. What are the inherent powers of the president? What controversies exist concerning them? Discuss these in terms of current conflicts concerning surveillance, torture and war in general?
4. As fully as possible, list the various influences the executive has on the legislative process. Use current events to discuss President Bush’s ability to influence legislation.
5. How is the governor’s position within the plural executive different than the president’s position within the singular executive that exists on the national level? How are the other executive officials in Texas removed from the control of the governor? How can the governor try to influence them?
6. Outline how the president’s power has increased over the course of American history. Pay special attention to the New Deal.
7. What is “going public?” How can the president use public opinion to his advantage? How can he not? What are the limits of going public?
8. Contemporary presidential power has been facilitated by the increase in what your book class the “administrative state.” What is it, and how does it increase presidential power?
9. Who are the other members of Texas’ plural executive, what do they do and what conditions their behavior?
10. Using news stories as your guide, and setting personal preferences aside, how might each of the presidential candidates use the powers of the office?
