Unit IV: Executive Branch
Name
Presidential Power
Directions
In the graphic organizer below, briefly describe each of the formal Presidential Powers granted in
Article II of the U.S. Constitution.
Formal
Presidential
Powers
(U.S. Constitution,
Article II)
Informal Powers
Big Idea:
The Constitution’s list of presidential powers is brief and simple, but ever since George
Washington’s presidency, the list has expanded greatly.
Directions
For each of the informal sources of power listed below, briefly explain how it has expanded the power of
the President’s office.
Personal Exercise of Power
Immediate Needs of the Nation
Mandate of the People
Checks and Balances
Presidential Checks At a Glance
Informal Checks on Presidential Power
How does each of the factors listed below provide a
‘check’ on presidential power?
Public Opinion
The Media
Partisan Politics
Congressional Investigations
Interest Groups
Drawing Conclusions – please answer the following questions on a separate piece of paper.
1. Evaluate the effectiveness of the informal checks on limiting presidential power.
2. How important are informal checks on a president compared to constitutional checks and balances?
3. Since FDR’s administration in the 1930s and 1940s, the power of the American presidency has greatly expanded.
Do you see this trend as a positive or negative development? Explain your answer.