GOVERNMENT: UNIT 4– THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH

Unit Summary: The President of the United States is the head of state and head of government of the United States and is the highest political official in United States by influence and recognition. The President is at the head of the executive branch of the federal government; his or her role is to enforce national law as given in the Constitution and written by Congress. The President also has the power to create a cabinet of advisers and to grant pardons or reprieves.

Journal Questions:

You are responsible for answering each of the questions below on the day of the unit test. You are expected to provide a one paragraph response to each question.

1. Do you agree with the electoral college system? Why or why not?

2. What powers does the President have? Give an explanation of at least 3.

3. Describe at least 3 of the executive agencies, and what they do.

Unit Assignments:

Choose TWO of the following assignments, and turn them in by the due date listed on the unit schedule.

1.  Choose a presidential candidate from any election year, and complete the “Become a Campaign Supporter” sheet. Your drawings must be in color, and your information must be accurate (research!).

2.  Complete the “Executive Branch of the United States” graphic organizer, filled in with the proper information from your notes or reading.

3.  Choose one executive department. Visit its web site and explore what this department does, its history, and any critical issues it has recently dealt with. In approximately 2-3 paragraphs, summarize your findings in your own words. Remember: copy pasting = zero!

4.  Choose any president of the United States (except George Washington… too easy!) and in your own words write a 2-3 paragraph biography of major events and achievements in his life.

Unit Schedule:

DAY Date / TOPIC / ASSIGNMENTS / DUE TODAY
Day 1
Oct 13/14 / Political Parties
PPT & Discussion, Create a Party / Read Chapter 22, Section 2
Reading Review & Vocabulary
Day 2 Oct 15/16 / Elections & Electing the President
PPT & Discussion, Simulation / Read Chapter 22, Section 3
Reading Review & Vocabulary / Electoral College Handout – Q’s
Day 3 Oct 19/20 / The Roles of the President
PPT & Discussion, Video / Read Chapter 9, Section 1
Reading Review & Vocabulary / Unit Assignment 1
Day 4 Oct 21/22 / Organization of the Executive Branch
PPT & Discussion, US Agencies / Read Chapter 9, Section 2
Reading Review & Vocabulary
Day 5 Oct 26/27 / Powers of the President
PPT & Discussion, Review / Read Chapter 9, Section 3
Reading Review & Vocabulary / Unit Assignment 2
Day 6 Oct 28/29 / Unit Test
Review Game, Unit Test / Unit Test / Journal Questions