>Article II of the Constitution: The Executive Branch

What document initially governed the United States before the Constitution was adopted?

• The Bill of Rights

• The Articles of Confederation

• The Declaration of Independence

• The Federalist Papers

Who was the first President of the United States, setting important precedents for the office?

• Thomas Jefferson

• John Adams

• George Washington

• James Madison

Explain why the Framers of the Constitution decided against a multi-member executive council.

• They believed it would be too similar to a monarchy.

• They thought it would lead to inefficiency and discord.

• They wanted to avoid the influence of foreign powers.

• They felt it would be too costly to maintain.

Describe the role of the Vesting Clause in Article Two of the Constitution.

• It limits the president's power to declare war.

• It grants the president the power to veto legislation.

• It states that executive power shall be vested in a President.

• It outlines the process for presidential impeachment.

Analyze how the presidency has expanded its power over time, providing one example.

• The president's power has remained constant since the Constitution was written.

• The president's power has decreased due to increased congressional oversight.

• The presidency has expanded through the use of executive orders, such as desegregating the military.

• The presidency has expanded by taking over judicial responsibilities.

What was one of the key reasons the Framers included a single executive in the Virginia Plan?

• To ensure a quick and decisive leadership.

• To mimic the British monarchy.

• To allow for a longer term in office.

• To reduce the power of the legislative branch.

Evaluate the impact of George Washington's decision to step down after two terms on the presidency.

• It set a precedent for a peaceful transfer of power and limited terms.

• It led to the immediate abolition of the presidency.

• It caused a constitutional crisis.

• It was ignored by subsequent presidents.

What is one of the formal powers of the president as outlined in Article Two of the Constitution?

• Declaring war

• Granting pardons

• Impeaching judges

• Passing legislation

Discuss the role of executive agencies in expanding presidential power.

• They limit the president's ability to enforce laws.

• They create rules and policies that increase presidential influence.

• They are independent of the executive branch.

• They only deal with foreign policy.

Critically assess how the checks and balances system limits presidential power.

• The president can override Congress with a simple majority.

• The president can appoint judges without Senate approval.

• Congress can override a presidential veto with a two-thirds majority.

• The president can ignore Supreme Court rulings.