U.S. Presidential Powers and Responsibilities

This lesson explores the formal powers of the U.S. president as outlined in Article II of the Constitution. It covers executive, appointment, legislative, foreign policy powers, and the power of pardon. The lesson emphasizes the system of checks and balances that limits presidential powers, ensuring no branch of government becomes too powerful. Examples include the president's role in budget preparation, judicial appointments, legislative proposals, military actions, and controversial pardons.

Which article of the U.S. Constitution outlines the formal powers of the President?

• Article IV

• Article II

• Article I

• Article III

What is a key example of the President's executive power?

• Declaring war

• Preparing the federal budget

• Appointing state governors

• Ratifying treaties

Who must confirm the President's nominations for federal judges?

• The House of Representatives

• The Vice President

• The Supreme Court

• The Senate

Which President's appointments were blocked by a partisan Senate in 2016?

• Donald Trump

• Barack Obama

• Bill Clinton

• George W. Bush

What power allows the President to influence the direction of policy?

• Proposing legislation

• Veto power

• Declaring emergencies

• Executive orders

What is required for Congress to override a presidential veto?

• Approval from the Supreme Court

• A unanimous vote

• A simple majority

• A two-thirds majority

Who is the Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Armed Forces?

• The Speaker of the House

• The President

• The Vice President

• The Secretary of Defense

What must happen for a treaty negotiated by the President to take effect?

• Signature by the Vice President

• Approval by the House of Representatives

• Endorsement by the Supreme Court

• Ratification by the Senate

What is the power of the President to forgive federal crimes called?

• Pardon

• Reprieve

• Amnesty

• Commutation

What is a significant check on the President's power to declare war?

• Approval from the United Nations

• Consent from the Vice President

• The need for a Supreme Court ruling

• The requirement of a formal declaration by Congress