Curated OER
Before and Beyond the Constitution: What Should a President Do?
Students discuss the powers and responsibilities of the President, list some precedents established during Washington's presidency, and match presidential actions with the type of Executive power it is.
Curated OER
How Can the President Influence Legislation?
Pupils examine presidential powers. In this Executive Branch lesson, students listen to their instructor present a lecture on the president's influence on legislation as they view a 7-slide PowerPoint presentation.
Curated OER
Checks on Presidential Power
Students examine presidential powers. In this checks and balances lesson, students identify the constitutional and informal restraints of the president and consider the reasons for the limitations.
Curated OER
Presidential Powers
In this Presidential Powers learning exercise, students answer five questions about the various powers of the president by writing short responses.
Curated OER
Government 13.1 and 13.2
In this government activity, students answer 10 fill in the blank questions and 10 short answer questions regarding presidential powers.
Curated OER
The Many Powers of the President
Students become familiar with the many roles of the president. They are given various scenarios. They must decide which of his "hats" he must wear given the specifics of each situation.
Curated OER
POWERS OF THE PRESIDENT: THE CASE OF LATVIA
Students compare the powers of a U.S. president to those of leaders of other countries. They pretend they are presidential advisors and make decisions as a group as to what the president has the right do in different situations.
Curated OER
The President's Role and Succession
Fourth graders examine the role the President of the United States plays in American government and the order of succession of cabinet members. They explain about presidential qualifications and the path to becoming President.
Wikimedia
Wikipedia: President of the United States
This is a comprehensive article on the presidency of the United States. Learn about the history of this office, its responsibilities and its powers.
Yale University
Avalon Project: Constitution of the United States: Article Ii
Read the text of Article II of the Constitution, the four sections of which lay out the powers and duties of the executive branch of the federal government.
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of American History: American Presidency: A Glorious Burden
Review the lives and careers of the presidents (current through 2001), particularly the burdens that the office imposes, by examining documents and artifacts that clarify the powers of the office, the role of presidential campaigns, life...
Edutopia
Edutopia: Presidents' Day: A Life Lesson for Students
With this resource, teachers can lead students in a topical conversation regarding President's Day. This free-form lesson includes suggested questions and encourages student discussion about the powers and responsibilities of the...
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: Democracy in America: The Modern Presidency: Tools of Power
This unit details how the role of the President of the United States has evolved to the position it is today since the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. Offers video, readings, web resources and activities.
Thomson Reuters
Find Law: Article Ii: Recess Appointments
Explains Clause 3 of Article II, Vacancies during Recess of Senate. It outlines various situations where a vacancy may occur and what rules are in place to deal with it.
Center For Civic Education
Center for Civic Education: Ronald Reagan and Executive Power
This site is a comprehensive examination of Ronald Reagan's administration and how he used his executive powers. It looks at his policies and his ongoing legacy. Includes videos, historical context, and lesson plans from elementary up.
University of North Carolina
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill: American Diplomacy
An on-line magazine that provides "Commentary, Analysis, and Research on American Foreign Policy and Its Practice." Also contains articles from actual ambassadors and diplomats in the Foreign Service.
Other
Presidents & the Constitution: War: Commander in Chief
The President of the United States has many powers. This site provides an extensive overview on the President's role as Commander in Chief and includes a video.
The Dirksen Congressional Center
Congress for Kids: The President and Congress
A brief description of the interaction between the president and Congress. Also includes information about the process for signing a bill into a law and take a quiz to test your learning.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: The President of the United States (3 5)
Describes the job and duties of the President of the United States as head of the executive branch. Also discusses how the President is elected and the length of terms of office.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: The President of the United States (9 12)
Summarizes the role of the President as the Head of the Executive Branch and the powers and duties assigned to him by the Constitution. Provides links to further information.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: President's Legislative Powers
An easy-to-understand discussion on the actual legislative powers of the president and the veto. Includes related links.
iCivics
I Civics: Mini Lesson: Veto Power
Explores the presidential veto and pocket veto powers, their role as a negotiating tool, and the Congressional veto override process. Students also learn how to use fact-checking and triangulation to evaluate news claims and detect...
iCivics
I Civics: Mini Lesson: Presidential Appointments
Students learn about unilateral presidential appointments, nominations, and the Senate confirmation process.