Presidential Powers

Get into the nuts and bolts of a key element of the checks and balances system in the United States: the presidential veto. Not only will your class members learn about the mechanisms of the veto, but they will also review the major...

The United States government functions smoothly only with the successful and peaceful transition of power. Explore the ways that presidential inaugurations can set the tone for these transitions, from careful planning beforehand to...

Here is a fantastic, comprehensive resource on the roles and powers assigned to the president of the United States. It includes several critical thinking exercises and engaging activities, from cartoon analysis and the opportunity to...

While this lesson includes several nice worksheets to identify and discuss the various limits on government (i.e. a constitution, the rule of law, separation of powers, consent of the governed, etc.), its main value lies in a case study...

As part of a study of the American Presidency, groups investigate five topics: Campaigns and Elections, Role and Responsibilities, Life in the White House, Assassination and Mourning, and Communicating the Presidency.

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.

Elementary or middle school scholars learn about the significance of the first televised live presidential debate between Nixon and Kennedy, all the while discussing what qualities make a good leader, what they can or can't learn about a...

Article II of the United States Constitution grants Presidents executive powers in areas of international conflict, domestic and foreign policy. Using examples drawn from Ronald Reagan's presidency, class members are asked to consider...

How does the president of the United States get the authority to exercise his/her duties? What responsibilities and tasks go into a hard day's work for the president? Here is a lesson plan that includes several instructional materials...

After reading an interesting article comparing the disputed presidential election of 1877 to a similar event in the year 2000, kids blog a response. They read the article, check out the embedded links, then respond to four related...