Welcome!

Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.

National Economic Council (United States) Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

Study Hints Create Teach
Global Score: 0
Trophies: 0 🏆

‹ Back

Score: 0 / 100

Study Guide: The U.S. National Economic Council: Structure, Function, and History

Cheat Sheet:
The U.S. National Economic Council: Structure, Function, and History Study Guide

Founding and Purpose

President Bill Clinton established the National Economic Council via legislation passed by Congress.

Answer: False

Explanation: President Bill Clinton established the National Economic Council (NEC) via Executive Order 12835, not through legislation passed by Congress.

Return to Game

The NEC was created to coordinate domestic and international economic policy, ensuring alignment with the President's objectives.

Answer: True

Explanation: The NEC was created to coordinate the economic policy-making process for both domestic and international issues, ensuring that policies align with the President's stated goals.

Return to Game

The NEC was created to address a 'process problem' in economic policy-making, as stated by Robert Rubin.

Answer: True

Explanation: Robert Rubin stated that the primary motivation for establishing the NEC was to rectify a 'process problem' in economic policy-making and to better advance the President's agenda.

Return to Game

The NEC was created to fulfill a promise to prioritize the U.S. economy.

Answer: True

Explanation: The NEC was created as part of President Bill Clinton's commitment to make the U.S. economy a central priority of his administration.

Return to Game

The NEC was created to consolidate economic policy functions previously handled by multiple, uncoordinated bodies.

Answer: True

Explanation: The creation of the NEC aimed to consolidate economic policy functions, addressing issues arising from multiple, previously uncoordinated bodies within the executive branch.

Return to Game

By what means was the National Economic Council officially established?

Answer: Through Presidential Executive Order 12835.

Explanation: The National Economic Council (NEC) was officially established through Presidential Executive Order 12835, issued by President Bill Clinton.

Return to Game

Which U.S. President is credited with creating the National Economic Council?

Answer: Bill Clinton

Explanation: President Bill Clinton is credited with establishing the National Economic Council (NEC) through Executive Order 12835 in 1993.

Return to Game

Which of the following is NOT a key objective for which the NEC was created?

Answer: Conducting detailed economic impact studies for all proposed legislation.

Explanation: While the NEC coordinates policy, advises the president, and monitors implementation, conducting detailed economic impact studies for all proposed legislation is not listed as one of its primary objectives.

Return to Game

Core Functions and Responsibilities

The National Economic Council (NEC) primarily functions as a research body responsible for providing data analysis to the President.

Answer: False

Explanation: The NEC's principal role is to serve as the primary forum for the President to deliberate on domestic and international economic policy with senior officials, rather than functioning principally as a research body.

Return to Game

The NEC's mandate includes integrating international economic policy with broader foreign policy objectives.

Answer: True

Explanation: The NEC's mandate explicitly includes integrating international economic policy with broader foreign policy objectives to ensure a cohesive national strategy.

Return to Game

The NEC focuses exclusively on international economic policy.

Answer: False

Explanation: The NEC's focus is not exclusive to international economic policy; its mandate encompasses both domestic and international economic policy matters.

Return to Game

The NEC's primary function is to conduct independent economic research and publish scholarly articles.

Answer: False

Explanation: The NEC's primary function is not independent economic research and publication; rather, it serves as a coordinating body for policy advice to the President.

Return to Game

The NEC aims to ensure economic policies are consistent with the President's stated goals.

Answer: True

Explanation: A key objective of the NEC is to ensure that domestic and international economic policies and programs are consistent with the President's stated goals.

Return to Game

The NEC is responsible for implementing the President's economic agenda directly.

Answer: False

Explanation: The NEC's role is primarily focused on coordination and advice; it is not directly responsible for the implementation of the President's economic agenda, which involves various executive departments and agencies.

Return to Game

What is the principal function of the National Economic Council (NEC)?

Answer: To serve as the main forum for the President to consider domestic and international economic policy with senior officials.

Explanation: The principal function of the NEC is to serve as the primary forum where the President convenes senior officials and Cabinet members to deliberate on domestic and international economic policy matters.

Return to Game

What is the NEC's stated purpose regarding the integration of different policy areas?

Answer: To integrate international economic policy with broader foreign policy objectives.

Explanation: The NEC's stated purpose includes integrating international economic policy with broader foreign policy objectives, thereby fostering a cohesive national strategy.

Return to Game

What does the NEC's role in monitoring implementation ensure?

Answer: That the President's economic policies are actively put into practice and tracked for effectiveness.

Explanation: The NEC's monitoring role ensures that the President's economic policies are not merely formulated but are actively implemented and systematically tracked for effectiveness, providing crucial feedback for potential policy adjustments.

Return to Game

Organizational Structure and Location

The National Economic Council is housed within the Department of the Treasury.

Answer: False

Explanation: The National Economic Council (NEC) is not housed within the Department of the Treasury; rather, it is part of the Executive Office of the President, specifically within the Office of Policy Development.

Return to Game

The National Economic Council has a significantly larger staff than the Council of Economic Advisers.

Answer: False

Explanation: The National Economic Council (NEC) has approximately 25 employees, which is generally considered smaller than the Council of Economic Advisers (CEA), contrary to the assertion of a significantly larger staff.

Return to Game

The NEC's structure and membership approach are dissimilar to those of the National Security Council.

Answer: False

Explanation: The structure and membership approach of the National Economic Council (NEC) are notably similar to those of the National Security Council (NSC).

Return to Game

The NEC is part of the Department of Commerce.

Answer: False

Explanation: The National Economic Council (NEC) is not part of the Department of Commerce; it operates within the Executive Office of the President.

Return to Game

The NEC structure includes Deputy Directors responsible for specific economic policy areas.

Answer: True

Explanation: The NEC's structure is designed with multiple Deputy Directors, each assigned responsibility for distinct areas of economic policy.

Return to Game

The NEC is physically located in the White House itself.

Answer: False

Explanation: The National Economic Council (NEC) is not located within the White House itself, but rather in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, adjacent to the White House.

Return to Game

The NEC's website URL indicates its affiliation with the Executive Office of the President.

Answer: True

Explanation: The website URL, such as whitehouse.gov/nec/, clearly signifies the National Economic Council's (NEC) affiliation with and operation under the Executive Office of the President.

Return to Game

The NEC's structure is similar to the National Security Council.

Answer: True

Explanation: The structure and membership approach of the National Economic Council (NEC) are indeed similar to those of the National Security Council (NSC).

Return to Game

Where is the National Economic Council headquartered?

Answer: The Eisenhower Executive Office Building

Explanation: The National Economic Council (NEC) is headquartered in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, which is part of the White House complex.

Return to Game

Which of the following is structurally similar to the National Economic Council?

Answer: The National Security Council

Explanation: The National Security Council (NSC) shares a similar organizational structure and membership approach with the National Economic Council (NEC).

Return to Game

What does the NEC's inclusion in the Executive Office of the President signify?

Answer: It is a key component of the President's advisory apparatus, directly supporting executive functions.

Explanation: The NEC's inclusion within the Executive Office of the President signifies its role as a crucial component of the President's advisory apparatus, directly supporting executive functions and policy formulation.

Return to Game

What is the approximate number of employees working for the NEC?

Answer: Around 25

Explanation: The National Economic Council (NEC) maintains a staff of approximately 25 employees.

Return to Game

What is the significance of the Seal of the Executive Office of the President being associated with the NEC?

Answer: It signifies the NEC is a component of the larger executive branch entity.

Explanation: The association with the Seal of the Executive Office of the President signifies that the National Economic Council (NEC) is an integral component of this larger executive branch entity.

Return to Game

Which of the following is listed as part of the Office of White House Policy alongside the NEC?

Answer: The Domestic Policy Council

Explanation: The Domestic Policy Council is listed as part of the Office of White House Policy alongside the National Economic Council (NEC), indicating their shared placement within the White House's policy advisory structure.

Return to Game

Leadership and Personnel

Robert Rubin was the first Director of the National Economic Council, appointed on January 25, 1993.

Answer: True

Explanation: Robert Rubin was indeed appointed as the first Director of the National Economic Council (NEC) on January 25, 1993, concurrently with the council's establishment.

Return to Game

The President of the United States serves as the Chair of the National Economic Council.

Answer: True

Explanation: The President of the United States holds the position of Chair of the National Economic Council (NEC).

Return to Game

Kevin Hassett is listed as the Director of the NEC as of January 20, 2025.

Answer: True

Explanation: As of January 20, 2025, Kevin Hassett is indeed listed as the Director of the National Economic Council (NEC) and Assistant to the President for Economic Policy.

Return to Game

The Director of the NEC also holds the title Assistant to the President for Economic Policy.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Director of the National Economic Council (NEC) concurrently holds the title Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, signifying a senior advisory role directly to the President.

Return to Game

Laura Tyson succeeded Robert Rubin as the Director of the NEC.

Answer: True

Explanation: Laura Tyson succeeded Robert Rubin as the Director of the National Economic Council (NEC), serving after Rubin's tenure.

Return to Game

Lael Brainard served as NEC Director under President Donald Trump.

Answer: False

Explanation: Lael Brainard served as NEC Director under President Joe Biden, not under President Donald Trump. Directors under Trump included Gary Cohn and Larry Kudlow.

Return to Game

The NEC's Director, Kevin Hassett, also serves as the Secretary of the Treasury.

Answer: False

Explanation: Kevin Hassett serves as the Director of the National Economic Council (NEC) and Assistant to the President for Economic Policy; he does not serve as the Secretary of the Treasury.

Return to Game

Who was appointed as the first Director of the National Economic Council?

Answer: Robert Rubin

Explanation: Robert Rubin was appointed as the first Director of the National Economic Council (NEC) upon its establishment on January 25, 1993.

Return to Game

Who holds the position of Chair of the National Economic Council?

Answer: The President of the United States

Explanation: The President of the United States serves as the Chair of the National Economic Council (NEC).

Return to Game

Which of these individuals served as NEC Director under President Barack Obama?

Answer: Gene Sperling

Explanation: Gene Sperling served as Director of the National Economic Council (NEC) under President Barack Obama, from January 2011 to March 2014.

Return to Game

What does the title 'Assistant to the President for Economic Policy' signify?

Answer: It signifies a senior advisory role directly to the President on economic matters, held by the NEC Director.

Explanation: The title 'Assistant to the President for Economic Policy' signifies a senior advisory role directly to the President on economic matters, and this title is held by the Director of the National Economic Council (NEC).

Return to Game

Who served as NEC Director under President Donald Trump?

Answer: Gary Cohn and Larry Kudlow

Explanation: During President Donald Trump's term, Gary Cohn served as NEC Director from January 2017 to April 2018, followed by Larry Kudlow from April 2018 to January 2021.

Return to Game

Who succeeded Robert Rubin as the Director of the NEC?

Answer: Laura Tyson

Explanation: Laura Tyson succeeded Robert Rubin as the Director of the National Economic Council (NEC), serving from February 1995 to December 1996.

Return to Game

Which of the following NEC Directors served under President George W. Bush?

Answer: Keith Hennessey

Explanation: Keith Hennessey served as Director of the National Economic Council (NEC) under President George W. Bush, from November 2007 to January 2009.

Return to Game

Historical Context and Evolution

The NEC was established in 1993, but economic policy staff had existed in the White House since the 1960s.

Answer: True

Explanation: The National Economic Council (NEC) was formally established in 1993; however, the presence of economic policy staff within the White House predates this, dating back to the 1960s.

Return to Game

What historical context is mentioned regarding White House economic policy staff before the NEC's creation?

Answer: Staff existed since the 1960s, with roles assigned by Presidents Johnson and Nixon.

Explanation: Historical context indicates that economic policy staff were present in the White House since the 1960s, with roles evolving under administrations such as those of Presidents Johnson and Nixon, preceding the formal creation of the NEC.

Return to Game

Distinction from Other Agencies

How does the NEC's role primarily differ from the Council of Economic Advisers (CEA)?

Answer: The NEC coordinates policy and advises, while the CEA provides research and analysis.

Explanation: The fundamental difference lies in their primary functions: the NEC serves as a coordinating body and advisor to the President on policy, whereas the CEA is primarily tasked with providing research, data, and analytical support.

Return to Game

Source Document Metadata

What does the Authority control databases section typically provide?

Answer: Links to external databases for cataloging and managing entity information.

Explanation: The 'Authority control databases' section typically provides hyperlinks to external databases (such as VIAF, FAST, Library of Congress, National Library of Israel, and Yale LUX) that are utilized for cataloging and managing information pertaining to the subject entity, thereby ensuring consistency and facilitating identification across various systems.

Return to Game