Hamilton's Views on Executive Power

The video discusses Federalist No. 70 by Alexander Hamilton, focusing on the need for a single, energetic executive. Hamilton argues that a unified executive is essential for effective governance, providing decisiveness, secrecy, speed, and accountability. He outlines four key elements for an energetic executive: unity, duration, salary, and adequate powers. Hamilton critiques the idea of a plural executive, highlighting issues like factionalism and lack of accountability. The video emphasizes the importance of a single executive to prevent divisiveness and ensure efficient execution of laws.

What is the main topic discussed in Federalist Number 70?

• The powers of the legislative branch

• The need for a plural executive

• The importance of a single executive

• The role of the judiciary

According to Hamilton, why is an energetic president essential?

• To ensure a slow legislative process

• To protect the community against foreign attacks

• To limit the powers of the judiciary

• To increase the power of the legislative branch

Which of the following is NOT one of the four ingredients for an energetic executive?

• Salary independence

• Adequate powers

• Short duration of term

• Unity of the executive

How does Hamilton view the relationship between the executive and legislative branches?

• The executive should be subordinate to the legislative

• The executive should have enough power to check the legislative

• The legislative should have more power than the executive

• The executive and legislative should have no interaction

What does Hamilton suggest about the duration of the president's term?

• It should be indefinite

• It should be two years

• It should be one year

• It should be four years with the possibility of reelection

Why does Hamilton emphasize the need for a president's salary?

• To prevent the president from being a figurehead

• To ensure the president is not financially independent

• To make the president dependent on Congress

• To allow the president to live luxuriously

What is one advantage of having a single executive according to Hamilton?

• It reduces accountability

• It allows for more deliberation

• It ensures faster decision-making

• It promotes factions

Why does Hamilton argue against a plural executive?

• It promotes factions and reduces decisiveness

• It increases accountability

• It leads to faster decision-making

• It strengthens the executive branch

What does Hamilton believe about the role of factions in government?

• Factions are beneficial for decision-making

• Factions should be controlled to prevent division

• Factions should lead the executive branch

• Factions are irrelevant to governance

What is a potential problem with a multiple executive system?

• It reduces the power of the executive

• It ensures quick decision-making

• It promotes unity and secrecy

• It makes accountability difficult