Question

Generally, when is a president more likely to get congressional approval?

A. After Midterm congressional elections
B. In the second term rather than in the first
C. When public opinion is sharply divided over policies
D. In social policy areas rather than in economic policy areas
E. In foreign affairs rather than in domestic affairs

Answer 1

Presidents are more likely to get congressional approval after midterm elections, particularly if the elections align Congress closer to the president's party. Approval is higher early in the term when the honeymoon effect is in place and public support is strong.

Step-by-step explanation:

A president is more likely to get congressional approval when public opinion favorably aligns with their policies or during events that require national unity, such as certain foreign affairs. However, when it comes to the precise context of the choices given, the most likely scenario for a president to receive congressional approval is after midterm congressional elections (A), especially if the elections result in a Congress that is more politically aligned with the president's party. This typically happens because a president in the first two years tends to have more party support and the public's approval of the president starts high and increases during the honeymoon period. On the other hand, divided government and sharp division in public opinion over policies can complicate the process of gaining congressional approval, as shown by past experiences with budget agreements and public assessments of Congress's performance.