Question 1

In a presidential system, executive-legislative relations are _____, while head of state / head of government roles are _____.

Accepted Answer

A)  fused, fused
B)  separate, fused
C)  fused, separate
D)  separate, separate B

Question 2

In Argentina, neoliberal reform contributed to a reduction in executive power.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False  False

Question 3

Should a president be granted decree power? What sort of limitations can be used to assure that the power does not grow too great?

Accepted Answer

The question of whether a president should be granted decree power is a complex and contentious issue. On one hand, decree power can allow a president to quickly and effectively address urgent issues and make necessary decisions without being hindered by bureaucratic processes. On the other hand, it can also lead to abuse of power and undermine democratic principles.

If a president is to be granted decree power, it is essential to implement strict limitations to ensure that the power does not grow too great. Some potential limitations include:

1. Sunset clauses: Decrees should automatically expire after a certain period of time unless they are approved by the legislature. This prevents the accumulation of unchecked power over time.

2. Judicial review: Decrees should be subject to judicial review to ensure that they are in line with the constitution and do not infringe upon individual rights.

3. Legislative oversight: The legislature should have the power to overturn decrees or limit their scope through a vote. This ensures that the president does not act unilaterally without accountability.

4. Transparency and reporting: The president should be required to report on the use of decree power and provide justification for each decree issued. This promotes transparency and accountability.

5. Specific scope and limitations: Decree power should be narrowly defined and limited to specific areas, such as national security or emergency situations. This prevents the president from using decree power for unrelated matters.

Overall, while decree power can be a useful tool for a president, it is crucial to implement robust limitations to prevent the abuse of power and ensure that democratic principles are upheld.

Question 4

Standard decree authority is more powerful than emergency decree authority.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 5

The constructive vote of no confidence requires members of parliament to identify an alternative government before removing the standing government.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 6

What are the criticisms of presidentialism? How would you design institutions to minimize the problems surrounding presidentialism?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are the criticisms of presidentialism? How...

Question 7

How has history tailored the institutional design of executives in Latin America?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How has history tailored the institutional design...

Question 8

Which of the following adds most to the power of the president?

Accepted Answer

A)  amendatory observation
B)  block veto
C)  partial veto
D)  executive order

Question 9

An executive order must always take place under the sanction of existing law.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 10

What institutional features outside of the executive help to increase or decrease executive power?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What institutional features outside of the executive...

Question 11

What does an urgency petition do?

Accepted Answer

A)  It forces the president to veto a bill.
B)  It forces congress to pass a bill.
C)  It forces congress to consider a bill.
D)  It forces the judiciary to rule on the legality of a bill.

Question 12

Which of the following distinguishes presidentialism from parliamentarism?

Accepted Answer

A)  a collegial cabinet
B)  an insulated bureaucracy
C)  a national election for the head of government
D)  unfixed terms of office

Question 13

In Argentina, Juan Manuel de Rosas is associated with which value?

Accepted Answer

A)  order
B)  efficiency
C)  accountability
D)  education

Question 14

Which of the following is not a constitutional power?

Accepted Answer

A)  initiative power
B)  party discipline
C)  amendatory observation
D)  referendum

Question 15

According to the existing research, which of the following is most strongly associated with decreases in petty corruption?

Accepted Answer

A)  federalism
B)  a governing party with a large majority
C)  merit-based reforms
D)  economic development

Question 16

Distinguish petty corruption and grand corruption. How might different types of institutional reforms or changes in society affect each differently? Which is easier to address, petty corruption or grand corruption?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Distinguish petty corruption and grand corruption. How...

Question 17

What are the two core features of bureaucracy?

Accepted Answer

A)  efficiency and flexibility
B)  flexibility and autonomy
C)  efficiency and accountability
D)  autonomy and accountability

Question 18

What is the best measure of partisan power?

Accepted Answer

A)  the size of the president's party in congress
B)  the use of executive decree power
C)  the percentage of votes gained in a presidential election
D)  the amount of funds a president raises for a political party

Question 19

The instability and disorder of the post-independence period led to a greater concentration of power in the president.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 20

What is the defining aspect of a semi-presidential system?

Accepted Answer

A)  The head of state is elected.
B)  The head of state shares policymaking power with the head of government.
C)  The head of state presides over the cabinet.
D)  The head of state and head of government are the same person.

Exam 4: The Executive Branch: Latin American Style

In a presidential system, executive-legislative relations are _, while head of state / head of government roles are _.

In Argentina, neoliberal reform contributed to a reduction in executive power.

Should a president be granted decree power? What sort of limitations can be used to assure that the power does not grow too great?

Standard decree authority is more powerful than emergency decree authority.

The constructive vote of no confidence requires members of parliament to identify an alternative government before removing the standing government.

What are the criticisms of presidentialism? How would you design institutions to minimize the problems surrounding presidentialism?

How has history tailored the institutional design of executives in Latin America?

Which of the following adds most to the power of the president?

An executive order must always take place under the sanction of existing law.

What institutional features outside of the executive help to increase or decrease executive power?

What does an urgency petition do?

Which of the following distinguishes presidentialism from parliamentarism?

In Argentina, Juan Manuel de Rosas is associated with which value?

Which of the following is not a constitutional power?

According to the existing research, which of the following is most strongly associated with decreases in petty corruption?

Distinguish petty corruption and grand corruption. How might different types of institutional reforms or changes in society affect each differently? Which is easier to address, petty corruption or grand corruption?

What are the two core features of bureaucracy?

What is the best measure of partisan power?

The instability and disorder of the post-independence period led to a greater concentration of power in the president.

What is the defining aspect of a semi-presidential system?