10 Questions
What is one of the powers of the President as part of the Executive Branch?
Veto bills and sign bills
What is one of the things the President cannot do?
Make laws
What requires the approval of the Senate when done by the President?
Nominating Cabinet members and Supreme Court Justices
What is a responsibility of the President in representing the nation?
Recognize foreign countries
What is a power of the President in relation to foreign affairs?
Entertain foreign guests
What did the framers of the new Constitution want to avoid?
Divisions similar to those in the 17th century English civil wars
How did the framers view parties or factions?
Corrupt relics of the monarchical British system
What was the theory that guided Washington and Adams?
A consistent partisan majority would use its power to oppress the minority
What did the framers fear would happen if a consistent partisan majority took control of the government?
The fragile consent of the governed would break down, leading to violence and authoritarianism
What was the intent of the Framers in learning from history?
Not repeating the mistakes that led previous republics into civil wars
Study Notes
Executive Branch: Presidential Powers
- One of the President's powers is to negotiate treaties, but they require a two-thirds majority approval from the Senate.
Limitations on Presidential Power
- One thing the President cannot do is declare war without Congressional approval.
Senate Approval
- The President's appointments of federal judges, ambassadors, and other high-ranking officials require Senate approval.
Representation and Foreign Affairs
- As the head of state, the President represents the nation, ensuring national interests are protected and promoted.
- In foreign affairs, the President has the power to negotiate executive agreements with foreign governments, which do not require Senate approval.
Constitution Framers' Intentions
- The framers of the Constitution wanted to avoid creating a monarchy or a dictatorship.
- They viewed parties or factions as a threat to national unity and stability.
- Washington and Adams were guided by the theory of balanced government.
Concerns about Partisan Majority
- The framers feared that if a consistent partisan majority took control of the government, it would lead to the suppression of individual rights and liberties.
Lessons from History
- The Framers intended to learn from history, recognizing the importance of balancing power and preventing the concentration of power in one branch of government.
Test your knowledge of the powers and limitations of the President in the US government with this quiz. Explore the executive branch's authority to make treaties, veto bills, enforce laws, and more.
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