Lesson 23
What Is the Role of the President in the American Constitutional System?
The president of the United States is among the most powerful political figures in the world. In the international realm the president speaks for the country and is the symbol of America. At home the president suggests the policy agenda for Congress and is the leader of his or her political party. Americans look to the president for leadership, while at the same time fearing the concentration of political power in the executive branch. This lesson examines sources of presidential power and ways that checks and balances limit presidential power.When you have finished this lesson, you should be able to explain the president's constitutional responsibilities and how the office of president has evolved. You also should be able to identify various constitutional and political checks on the president's power. You should be able to explain fundamental differences between the office of prime minister in a parliamentary system and the American presidency. Finally, you should be able to evaluate, take, and defend positions on issues involving the exercise of presidential power and the relationship between the president and the other branches of government.
Section 1
How has the role of president changed since the founding of the nation?- Discussion and research questions
Section 2
How has Congress responded to the growth of presidential power?- Discussion and research questions
Section 3
What factors have contributed to the growth of presidential power?- Discussion and research questions
Section 4
What are some bureaucratic and Congressional checks on executive power? How has the executive promoted individual rights? How does the role of the president differ from that of a prime minister?- Discussion and research questions