Download Executive Dossier 2

Master
& YF D V U J W F % P T T J F S Level Two
Executive Dossier 2
Read from the Words of the Constitution to discover:
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Words that are underlined are in the vocabulary box. Use the focus questions to help you collect
the information that you will share when you return to your team.
Vocabulary
FYFDVUJWFQPXFSthe power to put a
country’s laws into effect and to administer
its government
BEWJDFBOEDPOTFOUThe Senate holds
hearings to “advise” and approves when a
2⁄3 majority vote to “consent.”
WFTUFEJOofficially give to
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a speech given by the President to Congress
in January
NJMJUJB National Guard
SFQSJFWFTBOEQBSEPOT setting convicted
people free or excusing their punishment
s7ORDSOFTHE#ONSTITUTIONs
Article II Section 1. The executive power shall be vested in a
President of the United States of America.1
Article II Section 2. The President shall be commander in chief of
the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the militia of the several states, when called into the actual service of the United States;2
have power to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the
United States, except in cases of impeachment.
1 The Constitution gives the President “executive power.” This makes him the CEO (Chief Executive Officer)
of the country—similar to the boss who runs a company.
2 The President is the Commander in Chief and presides over the National Security Council (NSC). This
special group advises the President in issues of national security and when and where to send the armed
forces. It is generally made up of the Vice President, selected Cabinet members, the Chairman of the Joint
Chiefs of Staff for the military, and the Director of National Intelligence.
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Branches of Government - Teacher Guide 121
Master
& YF D V U J W F % P T T J F S Level Two
s7ORDSOFTHE#ONSTITUTIONs
He shall have power, by and with the advice and consent of the
Senate, to make treaties, and shall appoint ambassadors, judges of the
Supreme Court, and all other officers of the United States, 3
Article II Section 3. He shall from time to time give to the Congress
information of the state of the union, and recommend to their consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient;4
he shall receive ambassadors and other public ministers5
3 The President can make treaties on behalf of the United States and appoint people to offices in the U.S.
government. However, he must get 2⁄3 of the Senate to agree with his actions and appointments. That
means 67 Senators must agree with him.
4 The President generally gives his State of the Union address in January of each year. In it he or she
outlines how the government is doing and proposes new ideas he/she would like Congress to enact.
Today television gives the President many opportunities to promote his ideas directly to the people.
Pres. Theodore Roosevelt referred to speaking to the public from the office of the President as “exercising
his bully pulpit.”
5 The President is the Chief Diplomat for the country and represents the United States. Therefore he or
she must greet, meet, and make treaties with representatives from other countries. He must get 2⁄3 of the
Senate to approve of the treaties he makes.
tFOCUS QUESTIONSt
Read the following questions, discuss possible answers, and when you all agree, write brief answers
on your own answer sheet. Be certain to write clearly and neatly because you will have to share
your answers with your jigsaw team.
1. What does executive power mean? ____________________________________________
and ______________________________________________________________________
2. What officer of our government is like the CEO of a company? _______________________
122 Branches of Government - Teacher Guide
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Master
& YF D V U J W F % P T T J F S Level Two
3. Who holds the title of “Commander in Chief”? ____________________________________
4. What are the three groups that are under the command of the Commander in Chief?
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
5. What does the NSC do for the President? ________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
6. What happens when the President pardons someone? _____________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
7. What does “advice and consent” mean? _________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
8. How many Senators must vote to approve a Presidential appointment? _______________
9. Who can the President appoint?
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
10. What does the President tell Congress in his yearly speech? _________________________
11. When does he give his yearly speech? _________
12. What two things might the President talk about in his State of the Union address? ______
__________________________________________________________________________
13. What is the expression that means the President speaks directly to the public to promote
his ideas? __________________________________________________________________
14. Why is the President considered the “Chief Diplomat” of the country? _________________
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Branches of Government - Teacher Guide 123