The Executive Branch Seventh Grade Civics

Essential Questions How are the three branches of government structured? What are the functions, powers, and processes of the legislative and executive branches of government? What are the distinct and separate powers of the legislative and executive branch?

Article II Article II of the United States Constitution establishes the Executive Branch of government.

The President ‘No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any person be eligible to that office who shall not have attained to the age of thirty five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States.’ -Article II, U.S. Constitution

Presidential terms of office Presidents are elected to a term of four years. George Washington served for two terms and this served as a guide for future presidents until Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Franklin Delano Roosevelt was elected in 1932, 1936, 1940, and 1944. The 22nd Amendment was ratified in 1951 limiting presidents to two terms (eight years) in office. Why do we limit presidents to two terms?

The Vice President ‘In Case of the Removal of the President from Office, or of his death, Resignation, or Inability to discharge the Powers and Duties of the said Office, the Same shall devolve on the Vice President.’ -Article II, U.S. Constitution

The Vice President Why is it a major decision for a presidential candidate to choose a vice presidential candidate, also known as a ‘running mate’?

Presidential appointments and treaties ‘He shall have power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States,’ -Article II, U.S. Constitution

Advise and consent Why do you think this nominee for the Supreme Court is meeting with senators?

Relations with Congress ‘He shall from time to time give to Congress Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient; he may, on extraordinary Occasions, convene both Houses or either of them, and in Case of Disagreement between them, with Respect to the Time of Adjournment, he may adjourn them to such Time as he shall think proper; he shall receive Ambassadors and other public Ministers,’ -Article II, U.S. Constitution

State of the Union Why is the president responsible for giving Congress information about the State of the Union?

Removal from office ‘The President, Vice President, and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high crimes and Misdemeanors.’ -Article II, U.S. Constitution

Rule of law What does the impeachment and trial process have to do with the rule of law?