Monday 11/4 & Tuesday 11/5 : 2.5 Checks on the Presidency

ENDURING UNDERSTANDING:

The presidency has been enhanced beyond its expressed constitutional powers.

LEARNING OBJECTIVE:

Explain how the president’s agenda can create tension and frequent confrontations with Congress.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE:

The potential for conflict with the Senate depends upon the type of executive branch appointments, including:
Cabinet members
Ambassadors
White House staff

Senate confirmation is an important check on appointment powers, but the president’s longest lasting influence lies in life-tenured judicial appointments.

Policy initiatives and executive orders promoted by the president often lead to conflict with the congressional agenda.


Activity #1 - Presidential Simulation AAR

After having completed the executive branch simulation, take time to reflect on the following questions in your notebook.

1. What were the greatest challenges to success?  Identify at least 2.
2. What were the keys to success?  
3. What would you have done differently?

Activity # 2: 

Limits on Presidential Power

Although the President has many powers, both formal and informal, that does not mean that the President is all-powerful. In our constitutional system of separation of powers (more correctly shared powers) and checks and balances, there are limits to what the President can do. Today, we will look at some of the checks on Presidential power.

At your table, with your table mates,  brainstorm the ways that Congress can limit the President. You should be able to come up with a minimum of 5-6 & write in your notebook.

Activity # 2:

Activity # 3:




Activity # 4:

Executive Branch WebQuest