Resources
Article II of the Constitution
http://www.billofrightsinstitute.org/Instructional/Resources/FoundingDocuments/Docs/Constitution.htm
More information on Article II
Candidates
Discussion Questions
- Together with a partner, read Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution. Discuss with your partner the kinds of powers delegated by the people to the President. Make a bullet-point list of those powers.
- Lead the military as Commander-in-Chief
- Make treaties with advice and consent of the Senate
- Appoint ambassadors, Supreme Court Justices and other officers with advise and consent of the Senate
- Require written reports
- Grant pardons
- Fill vacancies in positions that occur in the recess of the Senate
- Inform Congress about the state of the Union and recommend what he believes are necessary measures
- Convene both houses of Congress in extraordinary circumstances
- Receive ambassadors and other public ministers
- Take care that the laws be faithfully executed
- Commission all the officers of the United States
- With your partner, write 1-2 sentences summarizing the powers of the President under the Constitution.
Students may suggest: The President has the power to wage war, make treaties, appoint and commission officers, and recommend measures to Congress. He or she also executes the laws faithfully.
- Why does the Constitution say that the president may recommend measures to Congress?
The Constitution delegates the power of lawmaking to Congress. The President may recommend laws that he or she deems necessary, but s/he has no lawmaking power.
- Review the 4 candidates’ issues Web sites. How do their stated positions on issues compare to the President’s delegated powers?
Answers will vary.
- If elected, how much constitutional power would each individual have to implement their stated plans?
Answers will vary.
