EXECUTIVE COMMAND WHAT DOES THE PRESIDENT DO Activity

EXECUTIVE COMMAND

WHAT DOES THE PRESIDENT DO? Activity One

What all does the president do? Create a to-do list for the president. Try to think of as many things as possible and write them below.

A VERY big job! Did your answers fit any of these categories? Commander In Chief Appointment Maker Head Diplomat Executor of Laws Bill Approver Executive Branch Boss

WHAT IS THE SOURCE OF PRESIDENTIAL POWER? Activity Two

And the source is…. . Here is a hint… The United States Constitution! Specifically Article II, Sections 1 -3

Article II, Section 2 The Real Deal The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States; he may require the Opinion, in writing, of the principal Officer in each of the executive Departments, upon any Subject relating to the Duties of their respective Offices, and he shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment. The Big Ideas • Act as head of the U. S. military • Get advice from members of the executive departments (cabinet) • Pardon someone for a crime

Article II, Section 2 The Real Deal 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. . . The Big Ideas • Make treaties with other countries • Nominate and appoint some government positions, like ambassadors and Supreme Court Justices

Article II, Section 3 The Real Deal He shall from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient; . . . he shall receive Ambassadors and other public Ministers; he shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed, and shall Commission all the Officers of the United States. The Big Ideas • Update Congress on how things are going in a State of the Union address • Make recommendations to Congress about what bills are needed (agenda) • Make sure that laws are being carried out (or executed)

Article I, Section 7 The Real Deal Every Bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and the Senate, shall, before it become a Law, be presented to the President of the United States: If he approve he shall sign it, but if not he shall return it. . . The Big Ideas • Sign (approve) or veto (reject) bills from Congress This bit is actually in the part of the Constitution that explains how the Legislative Branch works!

Next… It looks like the president has a pretty big job to do… but he or she has help! Play Executive Command to find out who can pitch in to get the job done.

ALL OF THE PRESIDENT’S HELP… Activity Three

A Cabinet Full! The president has to carry out thousands of laws. There are 15 executive departments that help with this big task. Check out the list! Department of State Department of the Treasury Department of Defense Department of Agriculture Department of Transportation Department of Commerce Department of Energy Department of Labor Department of Education Department of Justice Department of Health & Department of Veterans Human Services Affairs Department of the Interior Department of Housing & Urban Development Department of Homeland Security

Match the executive department to how it helps the president. Department of… Makes the money, tries to help the Justice Education Treasury Defense Labor economy, and collects taxes. Supports workers to provide more opportunity, protect rights, and improve conditions. Provides funding to schools and helps students pay for college. Includes all parts of the US military, and its mission is to protect the US around the world. Works to enforce federal laws, prevent crime, and punish those convicted of crimes.

Now match these… Department of… The Interior Transportation Agriculture Homeland Security Energy Supports farmers, makes sure our food is safe, and gives recommendations about good nutrition. Works to protect the country against terrorism and makes sure the borders are safe. Responsible for the management and conservation of most federal land natural resources. Uses science and tech to address energy, environmental and nuclear challenges. Responsible for federal highways, the railroads and driver safety.

Last ones! Department of… Health & Human Services State Commerce Veterans Affairs Housing & Urban Development Creates the conditions for economic growth and opportunity, and is the voice of business. Works to improve the health, safety and well-being of Americans. Responsible for maintaining the relationships the US has with other countries. Supports strong communities and quality and affordable housing for all. Provides patient care and federal benefits to military veterans and their families.

Match each of the Armed Forces to the correct description. Air Force We handle land-based operations. Our forces are very effective for large conflicts, but it can take some time to deploy. We’re responsible for safety & security of U. S. waters. Call on us for seabased missions close to home. We are in charge of aerial warfare. Always ready to fly if you need a skybased solution. We enter enemy countries quickly. Call on us in emergency situations when speed is the most important factor. Army Coast Guard Navy Marines As the sea branch of the military, our forces are great on the water or near enemy coastlines. It will take some time to get to there.

MINI-QUIZ Test Your Knowledge

1) The President of the United States gets his or her powers from… A. The Presidential Handbook B. The U. S. Constitution C. The military

2) When the president acts as the nation’s representative to other countries, is it called… A. military action. B. equal representation. C. diplomacy. D. a vacation.

3) Whom does the president address during the State of the Union speech? A. A joint session of Congress B. The American people C. Both A and B D. None of the above

4) As president, if you disagree with a bill, you should … A. sign it. B. change it. C. cancel it. D. veto it.

5) What is it called when the president delivers a law to someone else to carry out? A. The “drop off” B. Delegating C. Assigning it D. Delivering it

6) Can the president sign only part of a bill into law? A. Yes, the president can sign one part, and veto the rest. B. No, the president must sign the whole bill or veto the whole bill

7) Who helps the president execute laws? A. Members of the Cabinet B. The 15 executive departments C. A and B D. None of the above

8) Which of these is NOT a responsibility of the president? A. Set a national agenda for new laws B. Oversee the US Armed Forces C. Hand down national court decisions D. Nominate Supreme Court Justices

9) When war breaks out, what must the president do? A. Ignore it B. Go and fight with the Army C. Command the Armed Forces D. Resign from office

10) Laws about the health and well being of young people are most likely to be executed by… A. Department of Education B. Department of Labor C. Department of Commerce D. Department of Health and Human Services

11) Which TWO articles of the US Constitution talk about the president’s job? A. The Preamble and Bill of Rights B. Articles I and II C. Amendments 13 -15 D. Articles I and III

12) How long is one term of a president? A. Four years B. Two years C. Six years D. Eight years

ANSWERS Activity Answer Keys

Match the executive department to how it helps the president. Department of… Makes the money, tries to help the Justice economy, and collects taxes. Education Treasury Defense Labor Supports workers to provide more opportunity, protect rights, and improve conditions. Provides funding to schools and helps students pay for college. Includes all parts of the US military, and its mission is to protect the United States around the world. Works to enforce federal laws, prevent crime, and punish those convicted of crimes.

Now match these… Department of… The Interior Transportation Agriculture Homeland Security Energy Supports farmers, makes sure our food is safe, and gives recommendations about good nutrition. Works to protect the country against terrorism and makes sure the borders are safe. Responsible for the management and conservation of most federal land natural resources. Uses science and tech to address energy, environmental and nuclear challenges. Responsible for federal highways, the railroads and driver safety.

Last ones! Department of… Health & Human Services State Commerce Veterans Affairs Housing & Urban Development Creates the conditions for economic growth and opportunity, and is the voice of business. Works to improve the health, safety and well-being of Americans. Responsible for maintaining the relationships the US has with other countries. Supports strong communities and quality and affordable housing for all. Provides patient care and federal benefits to military veterans and their families.

Match each of the Armed Forces to the correct description. Army Air Force We handle land-based operations. Our forces are very effective for large conflicts, but it can take some time to deploy. We are in charge of aerial warfare. Always ready to fly if you need a skybased solution. Navy Coast Guard Marines We’re responsible for safety & security of U. S. waters. Call on us for seabased missions close to home. We enter enemy countries quickly. Call on us in emergency situations when speed is the most important factor. As the sea branch of the military, our forces are great on the water or near enemy coastlines. It will take some time to get to there.