Executive
Branch

1. In creating the office of the
President, how did the framers guard against abuse of power?
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Few specific powers listed in the
Constitution
Four year terms
Carry out laws
Checks and balances
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Appointments/decisions approved by
Congress
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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?
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Qualifications and Salary
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35 years old
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Natural born citizen
Resident for 14 years
Salary set by Congress

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

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

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

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

5. How do government corporations differ from private businesses?
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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?
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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.
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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?
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Advantages
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Make quicker decisions instead of waiting for Congressional approval
Disadvantages
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Abuse power
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Commit illegal crimes
Make spontaneous decisions not wellthought out

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