PSC 313 Midterm Exam #1 Questions with correct
answers
Why is it especially hard to apply the scientific method to the presidency? -
✔✔There are very few presidents to study ("small N") but many possible
explanatory factors ("large number of Xs"), making cause-and-effect patterns hard
to test
Give examples of "presidency-centered" institutional research topics. -
✔✔Studies of presidents' use of unilateral legal powers, the limits imposed by
Congress and courts, and how the White House staff or executive agencies shape
decision-making
Give examples of "president-centered" personal research topics - ✔✔Neustadt's
focus on bargaining skills and Barber's classification of presidential personalities
("active/passive," "positive/negative")
Why did Neustadt say presidential power is mainly persuasion? - ✔✔Formal
"command" powers are fixed, shared, and inadequate, so presidents must bargain
and persuade other power holders to achieve goals
Why did the Founders have mixed feelings about a powerful executive? - ✔✔They
feared monarchy after British rule but knew the Articles' weak executive had
failed, leaving some wanting strong energy in the executive and others strict
limits
How did advocates of a strong presidency ease fears of monarchy? - ✔✔They
argued a single, re-electable president was easier to hold accountable and that
the desire for re-election ("love of fame") would encourage good behavior
answers
Why is it especially hard to apply the scientific method to the presidency? -
✔✔There are very few presidents to study ("small N") but many possible
explanatory factors ("large number of Xs"), making cause-and-effect patterns hard
to test
Give examples of "presidency-centered" institutional research topics. -
✔✔Studies of presidents' use of unilateral legal powers, the limits imposed by
Congress and courts, and how the White House staff or executive agencies shape
decision-making
Give examples of "president-centered" personal research topics - ✔✔Neustadt's
focus on bargaining skills and Barber's classification of presidential personalities
("active/passive," "positive/negative")
Why did Neustadt say presidential power is mainly persuasion? - ✔✔Formal
"command" powers are fixed, shared, and inadequate, so presidents must bargain
and persuade other power holders to achieve goals
Why did the Founders have mixed feelings about a powerful executive? - ✔✔They
feared monarchy after British rule but knew the Articles' weak executive had
failed, leaving some wanting strong energy in the executive and others strict
limits
How did advocates of a strong presidency ease fears of monarchy? - ✔✔They
argued a single, re-electable president was easier to hold accountable and that
the desire for re-election ("love of fame") would encourage good behavior
