President Readings

Please read each of the following and take notes. Information from these readings will be used on quizzes and exams.

President Reading #1 This reading has all the background information including Presidential Roles.
President Reading #2 Reading deals with removal of President
President Reading #3 This reading deals with the Electoral College
President Reading #4 Reading deals with Vice President and Cabinet

Please read President Reading #1, #3, and #4 to answer the following questions.

  1. What are the formal powers of the president as outlined in the text? Provide specific examples mentioned.
  2. Analyze how President Harry Truman’s executive order in 1948 reflects the enforcement of civil rights laws. What implications does this have for the role of the president?
  3. Discuss the significance of the State of the Union address in the legislative powers of the president. How does this address influence Congress?
  4. What limitations on presidential powers are highlighted in the text? Provide examples of how public opinion and Congress can affect a president’s ability to govern.
  5. Examine the role of the Cabinet in the executive branch. How do the responsibilities of Cabinet members support the president’s agenda?
  6. Identify the diplomatic powers of the president and discuss how these powers have historically shaped U.S. foreign policy. Provide an example from the text.
  7. What are the qualifications and duties of the vice president as described in the text? How do these responsibilities complement the president’s role?
  8. Discuss the importance of the Electoral College system as outlined in the text. What are some potential problems associated with this system?
  9. How does the text illustrate the evolution of the vice presidency? What changes have been made to its role over time?
  10. Reflect on the complexities of the relationship between the president and the bureaucracy. How can bureaucratic actions both support and hinder presidential policies?