Guided questions part 1

Commander in Chief of the Military

Directs the armed forces.

Chief Legislator

Signs bills into law or vetoes them.

Chief Diplomat

Serves as the nation's primary ambassador, leading foreign affairs.

Chief Executive

Manages all government departments, issuing executive orders as needed.

Judge

Grants pardons for federal crimes.

Why did the Framers of the Constitution believe the House of Representatives would most likely elect the President?

Because it would be difficult to win a majority of electoral votes.

What are the advantages of Prime Ministers compared to Presidents?

Prime Ministers are elected by their political parties, not the people.Unified government with little gridlock because the legislative and executive branches are from the same party.

What does the term "outsider" refer to in terms of Presidents?

Individuals not associated with Washington politics, such as governors, military leaders, or vice presidents.

What were the original four cabinet positions?

Secretary of WarSecretary of StateSecretary of TreasuryAttorney General

What is meant by a "divided government"?

When the legislative branch is controlled by a different party than the executive branch.

Why is a unified government not necessarily a good thing?

It promotes radical changes that often divide the people. Americans tend to prefer a degree of divided government.

Expressed

Specifically written in the Constitution.

Delegated

Powers over departments and agencies created by Congress.

Inherent

Powers derived from vague constitutional language, like the elastic clause.

What is the greatest source of the expansion of Presidential Power?

Vaguely written pieces of legislation or the Constitution.

Provide an example of how vague legislation allows for an expansion of Presidential Power.

The elastic clause in Article II, such as the phrase “Take care that the laws are faithfully executed,” allows for broad interpretation.