Unit 7: the U.S. Presidency & the Federal Bureaucracy
Unit 7: The U.S. Presidency & the Federal Bureaucracy
“Honors” C&G must read both Article 15 & Article 16.
Respond to one question from each article.
“College Prep” C&G read Article 15.
Respond to one question from the Article 15 reading.
*Article # 15 - The Founders’ Great Mistake, Garret Epps, The Atlantic, January/February 2009.
What powers are assigned to the president acting alone? What powers are shared with the legislative branch? What two specific duties does the Constitution assign to the president?
How was the vice presidential selection process as originally outlined in the Constitution flawed? How have those challenges been addressed?
What are the problems associated with the relatively long time span between election results and inauguration day?
What four specific reforms to the presidency does the author propose? Do you favor them? Why or why not.
Do you agree, “Our government is badly out of balance”? Why or why not? Provide examples to support your assertion.
Article #16 – Veto This!, Carl M. Cannon, National Journal, October 13, 2007.
Summarize two rival theories of what constitutes a “good government use of the veto” by a president.
Consider whether vetoes are a sign of strength or weakness in a president. Provide arguments and examples to support your position.
How do “signing statements” lessen the inclination of a president to use his veto power?
Compare President George W. Bush’s use of the veto in his first term versus his second term. Why did his approach change?
Supplemental Readings & Questions Checklist / Reminders
Workbook Source - Annual Editions: American Government 12/13 Edition
Ability Level Requirements:
Honors Civics and Government (0141)students must read all articles related to the unit of study and answer one question from each assigned reading.
College Prep Civics and Government (0142) must read one article for each unit of study (the articles with an asterisk) and answer one question pertaining to that article.
Assignment Requirements (Both Honors & College Prep):
1)Students must read the entire article before responding to the question(s).
2)As students read the article they need to highlight or underline key information from the article. This will enable the students to refer back to the article when responding to the question(s). The highlighted / underlined articles will be attached to the submitted responses.
3)Students will complete the graphic organizer for each article that is read. This will also be attached / submitted with the questions.
4)The question(s) that students selects to respond to will be formatted according to the required guidelines. It is strongly recommended that students type their assignments and run a spelling / grammar check of their responses. All responses need to be double-spaced whether typed or hand written.
5)Minimum response length per question – Honors – 100-150 words per response,College Prep – 75-100 words per response.
(This must be completed / filled in)
Name______
Date______
Article Title______
Author(s)______