16. In case of death of both president and vice president, who then becomes president? State the substance of the present law of the presidential succession. 17. Does the president personally appear before Congress and deliver his message? 18. Mention three leading powers of the president, and give two powers possessed by the president subject to approval by the Senate. 19. Mention with reference to the president (1) two executive powers, (2) one legislative power, (3) one judicial power. 20. What judicial power has the president? 21. What is meant by "reprieve," "pardon," "commutation"? Explain why the chief executive is given power in these matters. 22. How does the Constitution make the president responsible for legislation? 23. What is the president's message? Briefly describe it. 24. Give in substance the provision of the Constitution regarding the power of the president to convene and to adjourn Congress. 25. What is the veto power? Explain the importance of the veto power in a republic. 26. "The issue is now with Congress. Prepared to execute every obligation imposed upon me by the Constitution and the law, I await your action." Comment on the powers and duties of the president and of Congress, referred to in this extract from President McKinley's message on the Cuban question (1898). 27. What are treaties, and by whom may they be made for the United States? 28. Describe the process of making and ratifying a treaty. 29. In whom is vested the power to appoint ambassadors? 30. Give the constitutional qualifications of the vice president. TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION 1. The laws enacted by Congress (1910) were regarded "as a presidential victory," since President Taft had recommended the more important of these. Is it the tendency to "coerce" Congress or to recommend? Is this a tendency on the part of the governor? If so, what will be the ultimate effect upon our form of government? 2. At different times an appeal has been made to senators, representatives, cabinet officers, and even to the president to influence state legislatures to pass certain laws (for example, the direct-primary law in New York State in 1910). Is this an encroachment upon the right of a state to be free in matters of "home rule"? 3. Should the Speaker of the House of Representatives be also a member of Congress, or should he be chosen simply for his ability as a presiding officer and parliamentarian and hold no other office? 4. Resolved: That only natural born citizens of the United States, or naturalized citizens who have lived continuously in the United States for a period of twenty-one years or longer, shall be eligible to hold any office whatsoever under the federal government. |