Siteseen
Siteseen: Government and Constitution: Executive Branch
Article provides a guide to the Executive Branch of Government, its connection to the US Constitution, and its role as the branch that enforces the law and is responsible for the daily administration of the government.
Other
Roles of the President
Describes the roles that the President of the United States has as Chief of State, chief executive, economic leader, and chief diplomat. Uses PowerPoint format.
Center For Civic Education
Center for Civic Education: James Madison and Executive Power
This lesson plan examines the legacy of the "philosopher statesman," James Madison. Madison combined the intellectual knowledge and creativity of the scholar with the practical savvy of the politician, a man of strong principles who also...
American Presidency Project
American Presidency Project: Franklin Roosevelt: Executive Order 7649
Find the text of President Roosevelt's executive order for the Emergency Relief Appropriation Act of 1937, which provided for the expenditure of funds to help the unemployed.
American Presidency Project
American Presidency Project: Franklin Roosevelt: Executive Order 7086
Read the text of President Roosevelt's executive order that established the National Youth Adminstration as part of the Works Progress Administration. Its purpose was to help young people find jobs.
American Presidency Project
American Presidency Project: Franklin D. Roosevelt: Executive Order 7037
Read the text of the executive order of Franklin Roosevelt that established the Rural Electrification Administration in order to bring electricity to the many rural areas in the United States with no electricty.
ClassFlow
Class Flow: So You Want to Be President
[Free Registration/Login Required] This flipchart reviews the three branches of government and the qualifications to become President of the United States. Student assessment items are included.
C-SPAN
C Span Classroom: Teaching About Gridlock
Learning module and lesson plan with C-SPAN video resources and related articles for students to examine and deliberate on whether or not the President should exercise executive powers during times of Congressional gridlock.
US National Archives
Our Documents: Establishment of the Peace Corps.(1961)
Shows the original document of the executive order that President Kennedy signed establishing the Peace Corps in 1961. Gives background information and the complete easy to read text.
US National Archives
Our Documents: Desegregation of the Armed Forces(1948)
Read a brief overview of the history behind this executive order that integrated the segregated military and then read a copy of the complete original text.
Other
Executive Order Authorizing Military Tribunals
Summary of President George W. Bush's Executive Order authorizing the creation of military tribunals for the detention and trial of those thought to be linked to terrorism against the United States. Other helpful resources are also...
CNN
Cnn: Obama Plans Executive Order to Close Guantanamo Bay
President Barack Obama will issue executive orders concerning the closure of the U.S. military detention facility at Guantanamo Bay. The banning of torture and a review of detention policies are included. (January 22, 2009)
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Undoing a President
A good description of the Watergate affair, what led up to it, who was involved, and why it was such a big deal.
Thomson Reuters
Find Law: United States Constitution: Article Ii
Full text of Article II from the U.S. Constitution, as well as detailed annotations that explain the reasoning and subsequent impact of each clause and section of the Article. Content explores everything from the nature and scope of...
Center For Civic Education
Center for Civic Education: How Constitution Used to Organize the New Govt [Pdf]
This lesson describes how, using the guidelines provided in the Constitution, the First Congress in April 1789 named the new president and vice president, provided funding for the new government, organized the executive branch, organized...
US Government Publishing Office
U.s. Government Publishing Office: Our American Government, 2000 Edition
A popular introductory guide for American citizens and those of other countries who seek a greater understanding of our heritage of democracy. The question-and-answer format covers a broad range of topics dealing with the legislative,...
Other
Poder Ejecutivo Del Gobierno De La Republica De Costa Ri
This page shows the breakdown of the Executive Branch of the Government of Costa Rica. Each part of the branch (President, VP, etc.) contains a link to read more about the person.
Yale University
Avalon Project: Constitution of the United States: Article Ii
Read the text of Article II of the Constitution, the four sections of which lay out the powers and duties of the executive branch of the federal government.
PBS
Pbs Online News Hour: Rice on Iraq, War and Politics
Transcript of an interview of National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice in September of 2002, discussing President George W. Bush's ideas about moving the US into war against Iraq.
Michigan State University
Michigan State University: United States History Since 1920: Truman Loyalty Oath, 1947
In March, 1947, President Truman issued an executive order requiring that all Federal employees take a loyalty oath swearing loyalty to the United States. This was a time of fear of Communists and the Soviet Union. Read the entire...
The White House
The White House: Welcome to the White House
The official site for The White House and the Executive Branch of government. The site offers current as well as historical events, speeches, documents, and more. Includes up to date information about the Obama administration, current...
The White House
The White House: Council of Economic Advisers
Official website for the United States Council of Economic Advisers, which advises the President on economic matters. Use the links on the left side to get more background on the Council. Has a link for kids.
PBS
Pbs: Echoes From the White House
Based on the PBS Documentary, Echoes from the White House will give you a virtual tour of the official residence of the President. You will see the White House from its earliest days up to the present day.
Other
Landmark Cases: United States v. Nixon (1974)
This is a great resource for teaching about this key Supreme Court case that dealt with the issue of executive privilege, and became known as the Watergate Scandal. Included is the complete text of the opinion.