Is the President Too Powerful?

Announcements:

Congressional Quiz Retakes: If you are not satisfied with your performance on the quiz over the legislative branch, you may opt to take a retake of that quiz. Complete at least six of the assigned Khan Academy modules before the retake.

READING: 341-378 in Edwards
READING: Federalist 70 (read and annotate for Monday)

UNIT TWO IDENTIFICATION TERMS
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Today's Essential Question: How has presidential power expanded over time?


Learning Standards:
CON-4.C: Explain how presidents have interpreted and justified their use of formal and informal powers.

CON-4.C.1: Justifications for a single executive are set forth in Federalist No. 70.

CON-4.C.2: Term-of-office and constitutional-power restrictions, including the passage of the Twenty-second Amendment, demonstrate changing presidential roles.

CON-4.C.3: Different perspectives on the presidential role, ranging from a limited to a more expansive interpretation and use of power, continue to be debated in the context of contemporary events

Expansion of Presidential Power
There is no question that the power of the executive branch has grown tremendously from its initial inception. Has the president grown too powerful? How has Congress, the Courts, the media, and the modern age contributed to this growth? What should be done (if anything) to curtail this power?

The Growth of Presidential Power

Today, we are going to look at various arguments on the power of the president. Each group will be assigned an article/perspective to read. You will then discuss in your group the arguments made by the author before taking part in a class debate over the power of the president.

Is the Modern President Too Powerful?

1. Imagine There's No Congress

2. Obama is Maintaining the Balance of Powers, Not Overturning It

3. Obama Can't Rewrite the Law

4. Strong Presidencies May Threaten Democracy. Luckily, We Don't Have One.

5. Obama is Upending the Role of the Presidency

Presidential Pardons