The Executive Branch (Chp.

13-14)
Fri, Jan 26

Terms to know:
Primary National Party Convention Caucus
Ticket Platform Plank
Electors Faithless Electors Electoral College
Winner-take-all Proportional Representation Swing Voter/State
General Election Executive Order Ordinance Power
Appointment Power Removal Power Treaty
Executive Agreement War Powers Act State of the Union
Line-Item Veto Reprieve Pardon
Amnesty Clemency Commutation
12th Amendment 22nd Amendment 25th Amendment
26th Amendment

Other things to know/understand:

 Describe the “Road to the White House”
 How does the Electoral College work? (positives, negatives)
 What is the Line of Succession? (know first 5)
 How is the Vice President selected?
 What are the qualifications to be President?
 What are the roles of the President?
 What are the powers and limitations of the President?
 How can the President engage in warfare without Congress’ approval?
 Why had the President’s power grown so much?
 VRA and Shelby v Holder (2013)
 Executive Privilege and Nixon v. USA
 Line Item veto and Clinton v. New York City

Standards and Benchmarks:

2. Geography
a. I can demonstrate an understanding of the importance of geography and population
distribution in the US election system.
3. Civics
b. I can show how the concept of federalism is present in each branch of US Government and
within the Constitution.
c. I can identify my key rights and responsibilities as a citizen and evaluate the consequences of
my level of participation in a democratic civil society.
d. I can demonstrate a thorough understanding of the system of checks and balances displayed in
the US government structure.
f. I can demonstrate a deep level of understanding of the executive branch, specifically the roles
and powers of the President.
5. Skills
b. I can recognize bias in political debate/discussion.
Enduring Understandings:
 The executive branch enforces the laws.
 Due to the restraints of the Constitution and other branches, the executive cannot become a
dictator.
Essential Questions:
 How much power should the leader of a nation possess?
 How does the Executive branch maintain the delicate check and balances within US
Government?
Daily Unit Guiding Questions:
What are the roles and powers of the President?