Call to Order

When the Constitution was first written, the Executive Branch was the weakest of the three

branches of government. Why was important for them to make sure that the

President’s power was limited? What were they afraid of happening if it wasn’t?

Let’s take a look at the HomeworkQUESTIONS THAT NEED ANSWERS:1. What military powers does the

Constitution give the Congress?

2. What military powers does the Constitution give the President?

3. What are the advantages of having military power split between two branches?4. What was the purpose of the War Powers Act?

5. Choose one of the following principles (separation of powers, majority rule, checks and balances) and explain how the War Powers Act is an example of that principle.

Today’s Objective:

Completing Cornell Notes Examining examples of Executive Orders Completing a Quiz

Students will be able to explain how executive orders and the war powers act impact the powers of the President by:

War Powers

Act

The President needs the approval of

Congress to conduct military operations for more than 60 days.

(Only Congress can declare war)

First, let’s make sure we have this in our notes…

The President can still respond to an immediate threat to protect citizens,

but can’t just use the military however he wants.

As you might guess, being the President is a stressful job. There’s a lot to worry

about.What do you mean unemployment is up

in Baltimore again?!?!North Korea has

nukes?!?! How many aliens are we hiding in Area 51?

Bill Clinton at start of term

Bill Clinton during term

Going Gray!Before After

George Bush at start of term

George Bush during term

Going Gray!Before After

Barack Obama at start of term

Barack Obama during term

This is only after 2 years!Before After

It’s a stressful job… let’s see why.

After September 11…

The United States went to war in Afghanistan to catch the people who planned the attack (al-Qaeda).

Guantanamo Bay, CubaMany of the people we captured in Afghanistan

we moved to a military prison in Cuba.

Oh, what to do with these

suspected

terrorists???

• Some people from the U.S. Army “interrogated” some of them in order to get information.

• Many were held for years without a trial.

Remember how we said the media and groups can influence lawmakers?

Link Amnesty International Waterboarding Ad here

Some groups didn’t think that these were “Interrogations”.

They thought it was torture.

GUANTANAMO CLOSED

Obama ordered the closing of this facility on his third day as President

with an Executive Order

What is an Executive Order?

Executive Order

A policy issued by the President that has the force of

federal law

[Get this into your notes…]

How do executive orders work?

• Executive orders are just like laws.

• If you disobey them you can go to jail.

How do executive orders work?

• Executive orders do not have to be approved by Congress.

I thought that only Congress Could Make Laws?!?!

Well, you’re right, but technically, Executive Orders aren’t laws!

When can Executive Orders be used?

An executive order can be issued as long as..–It does not violate the Constitution.

–Only gives instructions to those people who work for the President.

What can Congress do if it disagrees?

Congress can pass a new law that reverses the President’s order.

He tried to do

WHAT?!?!

Bonus QuestionWhat do you think the President would most

likely do with a bill that reverses his executive

order?VET

O

Can He Do That?

President Truman signs an executive order that

integrates the U.S. Army.

YES

Can He Do That?

President Truman signs an executive order that

integrates all restaurants in Maryland?

NO

Can He Do That?

President Roosevelt signs an executive order that

prohibits discrimination by retail stores like Wal-Mart.

NO

Can He Do That?

President Roosevelt signs an executive order prohibiting

discrimination by those who build weapons for the US army

and navy.

YES

Let’s take a look at a few ways that Presidents have used Executive Orders to promote equality and protect citizens in the past…Executive Order 9981Year: 1948President: Harry S. TrumanQuote: “declared there shall be equality of

treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed services without regard to race, color, religion, or national origin”