The Constitution divided the Government into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. That was an important decision because it gave specific powers to each branch and set up something called checks and balances. Just like the phrase sounds, the point of checks and balances was to make sure no one branch would be able to control too much power, and it created a separation of powers. Here are some examples of how the different branches work together: Show
See our "Branches of Government" infographic to find the checks and balances you see illustrated.
Learning Objectives
8.1 Activity: Jobs of the President
Purpose Process The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America. Think about executive power and participate in a class discussion facilitated by your teacher. Answer the following questions:
After discussing the first line of Article II with your class, brainstorm a current list of roles/jobs for the president. Record them and share with your classmates. Review the Info Brief: Presidential Roles document for a comprehensive list. Launch Give students time to read the first line of Article II. Over the course of the week, ask students to try to match some of the key jobs of the president with what is spelled out in the Constitution. Note: The 22nd Amendment limits the president to two terms in office. This is an example of a norm established by George Washington, held over time, violated by Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and then written into the Constitution. This is a great example to share with students of how a presidential norm may be written into the Constitution. Activity Synthesis Activity Extension (optional) You can also ask students to speak to at least two adults and two peers outside of class, ask them the following questions, and write down their responses.
Constitution 101 Resources 8.3 Video Activity: The Presidency
Purpose Process Then, complete the Video Reflection: The Presidency worksheet. Identify any areas that are unclear to you or where you would like further explanation. Be prepared to discuss your answers in a group and to ask your teacher any remaining questions. Launch Activity Synthesis Activity Extension (optional) Constitution 101 Resources 8.4 Activity: Electoral College
Purpose In this activity, you will read two sources to understand the founders’ debates over how to elect a president and their vision for the Electoral College. You will also reflect on the Electoral College now versus back when it was created. Process
Launch Activity Synthesis Activity Extension (optional) Constitution 101 Resources Constitution 101 Resources 8.5 Activity: Test of Presidential Power
Purpose In this activity, you will examine a major test of presidential power, the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. v. Sawyer (1952), also known as “The Steel Seizure Case.” Process This landmark case took place during the Korean War. Steel workers were going on strike and President Truman responded by seizing the steel mills. He argued that a steel strike was a threat to national security because the Army needed steel to conduct the war. Therefore, he had the constitutional authority to act on his own—in other words, without explicit congressional approval—under his Article II commander in chief power. After reviewing the primary source and video, complete the Case Brief: Test of Presidential Power worksheet. Launch Activity Synthesis Activity Extension (optional)
Constitution 101 Resources Constitution 101 Resources Constitution 101 Resources 8.6 Activity: Analyzing Executive Orders
Purpose Process
Record your answer to the following questions and prepare to discuss.
Then, review Activity Guide: Quotes on Visions of Presidential Power. Try to guess which quote belongs to which key historical figure. As a class, compare the different viewpoints on presidential power. Launch
Activity Synthesis
Ask students to summarize the information from the lesson in three to five sentences. Activity Extension (optional) Discuss the following examples with your class.
Review a news item about executive orders today and see what leading questions are being posed on the balance of executive powers. Constitution 101 Resources Constitution 101 Resources 8.7 Test Your Knowledge
Purpose Congratulations for completing the activities in this module! Now it’s time to apply what you have learned about the basic ideas and concepts covered. Process Complete the questions in the following quiz to test your knowledge. Launch This activity will help students determine their overall understanding of module concepts. It is recommended that questions are completed electronically so immediate feedback is provided, but a downloadable copy of the questions (with answer key) is also available. Knowledge Check Constitution 101 Resources Previous ModuleConstitution 101 Curriculum Next ModuleConstitution 101 Curriculum Which of the following describes the role of the executive branch?Executive—Carries out laws (president, vice president, Cabinet, most federal agencies) Judicial—Evaluates laws (Supreme Court and other courts)
What are 3 responsibilities of the executive branch?The executive branch is headed by the president, whose constitutional responsibilities include serving as commander in chief of the armed forces; negotiating treaties; appointing federal judges (including the members of the Supreme Court), ambassadors, and cabinet officials; and acting as head of state.
What is the role of the executive branch quizlet?The executive branch of the U.S. government is responsible for enforcing laws; its power is vested in the President. The President acts as both the head of state and commander-in-chief of the armed forces. Independent federal agencies are tasked with enforcing the laws enacted by Congress.
What is the most important role of the executive branch?The executive branch of our Government is in charge of making sure that the laws of the United States are obeyed. The President of the United States is the head of the executive branch. The President gets help from the Vice President, department heads (called Cabinet members), and heads of independent agencies.
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