Executive Powers

The President of the United States is often called the most powerful person in the world. Although a sitting President has more power than any other individual in American government, the power that he or she possesses is not limitless. In order to execute the laws of the land effectively, the Constitution grants the President certain expressed powers. The Constitution also grants the executive branch the ability to check the legislative and judicial branches of government, which helps maintain a balance among the three branches. This topic will explore the powers of the executive branch, as well as the perception that the office of the President has grown more powerful over time.

Essential Questions

• What are the powers of the executive branch of the national government?
• How does the executive branch check the legislative and judicial branches?