Extended Response Questions and Selected FRQ practice? – Chapter 12 the Presidency
YOU MUST ANSWER THE QUESTIONS IN COMPLETE SENTENCES WITH THOROUGH DETAILS!!!!!
(all answers should be on a separate sheet of paper)
1. According to the authors there is debate about whether gridlock matters or not. Summarize the views of the political
scientists on this topic and give your own opinion related to the question of if “gridlock matters”.
2. Discuss the history of presidential veto. In your discussion, acknowledge the role that Andrew Jackson played in
shaping how presidents use the veto. What percentage of vetoes have been overridden by Congress?
3. Describe the Electoral College and explain what it does and how it does it.
4. Identify the “three audiences” that Richard Neustadt describes in his book Presidential Power.
5. Identify three ways in which presidents have organized personal staff and comment on the
advantages/disadvantages of each.
6. Identify the five principle agencies in the Executive Office.
7. Explain the constitutional roles of the vice president.
FRQ. (answer both)
1. A number of factors enable presidents to exert influence over Congress in the area of domestic policy. However,
presidents are also limited in their influence over domestic policymaking in Congress. (6 points)
A) The Constitution grants the president certain enumerated powers. Describe two of these formal powers that enable
the president to exert influence over domestic policy.
B) Choose tow of the following. Define each term and explain how each limits the president’s ability to influence
domestic policymaking in Congress.



Mandatory spending
Party polarization
Lame-duck period
2. Presidential approval ratings fluctuate over the course of each presidential administration. (8 points)
A) Identify two factors that decrease presidential approval ratings, and explain why each factor has that effect.
B) Identify two factors that increase presidential approval ratings and explain why each facto has that effect.