Executive Branch

1. In creating the office of the President, how did the framers guard against abuse of power?  Few specific powers listed in the Constitution  Four year terms  Carry out laws  Checks and balances  Appointments/decisions approved by Congress  Impeachment/removal  Supreme Court rules actions Constitutional or naw

1. In creating the office of the President, how did the framers guard against abuse of power?  Qualifications and Salary  35 years old  Natural born citizen  Resident for 14 years  Salary set by Congress

2. Briefly describe four of the President’s roles.  Chief Executive  Decides how to carry out laws  Executive orders  Appoint officials  Commander-in-Chief  Leader of the armed forces  Chief Diplomat  Leads foreign policy  Makes treaties  Appoints ambassadors  Executive agreements

2. Briefly describe four of the President’s roles.  Legislative Leader  Proposes legislation (ex. Obamacare)  State of the Union Address  Sets domestic policy  Shapes public opinion in support or opposition to legislation  Veto  Prepares budget  Calls special sessions of Congress

2. Briefly describe four of the President’s roles.  Judicial Powers  Appoints judges  Reduce sentencing/pardon  Party leader  Chief of State  Expresses goals and values of Americans  Ceremonial duties  Giving medals  Symbol of national unity  Greets visiting leaders

3. Describe the role of the National Security Council.  Helps the President make foreign policy  Top military officers  Government advisors  Foreign Affairs  National Defense

4. How does Congress exercise influence over executive departments?  Senate approves Presidential appointments to executive departments

5. How do government corporations differ from private businesses?  Provide public services that may be too risky or expensive for a private business to undertake  Ex. U.S. Postal Service

6. Why did Congress set up the civil service system?  Many government positions based on loyalty to President (friends/supporters)  Government workers (civil servants) selected based on merit  Provides trained workers employed from administration to administration

7. Describe three ways in which Presidents can take action on their own without consulting the other branches of government.  Jefferson buying the Louisiana Territory from France  Truman issuing executive order putting Secretary of Commerce in charge of steel mills  Nixon’s break-in at the Democratic National Committee Headquarters

8. What are some advantages and disadvantages of the power of Presidents to take action on their own?  Advantages  Make quicker decisions instead of waiting for Congressional approval  Disadvantages  Abuse power  Commit illegal crimes  Make spontaneous decisions not well- thought out

9. Why did President Jefferson hesitate before making the Louisiana Purchase?  The Constitution did not say Presidents or Congress could buy territory