Curated OER
Views And voices From Within
Students investigate the life and artwork of Estelle Ishigo. They use a timeline and primary sources in order to understand the influence of living in a relocation camp during World War II. The lesson includes an extensive historical...
Curated OER
Trial of King Charles
For this King Charles worksheet, students read about the facts of the trial of King Charles. Students also learn the characters who took part in the trial.
Center For Civic Education
Center for Civic Education: Ronald Reagan and Executive Power [Pdf]
"Ronald Reagan and Executive Power" examines the use of presidential powers by Ronald Reagan, the fortieth president of the United States. It explores Article II of the Constitution, which grants the president executive powers.
Center For Civic Education
Center for Civic Education: Ronald Reagan and Executive Power
This site is a comprehensive examination of Ronald Reagan's administration and how he used his executive powers. It looks at his policies and his ongoing legacy. Includes videos, historical context, and lesson plans from elementary up.
iCivics
I Civics: Games: Executive Command
Have you ever thought about being president? Executive Command gives you four years in office to accomplish your legislative and policy goals. You'll make a state-of-the-union address, work with your aides and cabinet, try your hand at...
Center For Civic Education
Center for Civic Education: George Washington and Executive Power
This lesson looks at the legacy of George Washington, perhaps the most influential leader in the creation of the American nation. Through his achievements as commander-in-chief during the Revolution, in support of the drafting and...
Center For Civic Education
Center for Civic Education: Abraham Lincoln and Executive Power
This lesson traces the rise of Abraham Lincoln from his humble beginnings to the presidency of the United States. You will examine Lincoln's ideas and decisions regarding slavery and the use of the presidential power to preserve the...
Cato Institute
Executive Orders and National Emergencies
The subtitle of this essay is "How Presidents Have Come to 'Run the Country' by Usurping Legislative Power." It discusses how the Constitution defines executive powers in a general way, with few limitations on the power of the President...
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: Democracy in America: The Modern Presidency: Tools of Power
This unit details how the role of the President of the United States has evolved to the position it is today since the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. Offers video, readings, web resources and activities.
Thomson Reuters
Find Law: Article Ii: The Creation of the Presidency
A scholarly discussion of Article II of the U.S. Constitution, which establishes the executive branch of the U.S. government. Discusses the origin of the article and the debates on executive power that took place among the Founding...
Wikimedia
Wikipedia: President of the United States
This is a comprehensive article on the presidency of the United States. Learn about the history of this office, its responsibilities and its powers.
Center For Civic Education
Center for Civic Education: George Washington and Executive Power
George Washington had a role in establishing our nation from the Revolutionary War through his presidency. He was a commander, a delegate to the Constitutional Convention, and a reluctant first President. Analyze his political...
Center For Civic Education
Center for Civic Education: Abraham Lincoln and Executive Power
Explore the life of Abraham Lincoln from his childhood through his presidency. This module includes extensive background, review questions, critical thinking questions, a timeline, and links to resources and primary sources.
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...
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Roles and Powers of the President: Advanced
This resource from Khan Academy provides advanced-level practice questions over roles and powers of the president. These questions are intended for students taking high school or college level American Government and Civics courses,...
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Roles and Powers of the President: Foundational
This resource from Khan Academy provides foundational practice questions the roles and powers of the president. These questions are intended for students taking high school or college level American Government and Civics courses,...
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.
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: How Do Executive Orders Work?
The framers of the American Constitution made the executive power available to the executive branch. But what exactly is this tool, how does it work, and what's the extent of its power? Christina Greer explains.
Shmoop University
Shmoop: Executive Branch and Presidents
Basic information and key concepts about the Executive Branch and Presidents. Also available from the orange tabs on top: a few interesting stories on the history, a timeline that shows the development of the presidency, some quotes and...
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: The President of the United States (3 5)
Describes the job and duties of the President of the United States as head of the executive branch. Also discusses how the President is elected and the length of terms of office.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: The President of the u.s
This is a fairly detailed explanation of the role of the President as leader of the United States.
Constitutional Rights Foundation
Constitutional Rights Foundation: Executive Branch: A Hero Betrayed: The Presidency of Ulysses S. Grant
Lesson with activity on the Executive Branch, distribution of power, scandal and the presidency of Ulysses S. Grant. Includes questions for discussion and class activity. Links to supplemental material.
The White House
The White House: The Executive Branch
Learn about the executive branch of the federal government, how it is organized, and the powers and responsibilities of the President, Vice President, the Executive Office of the President, and the departments within the Cabinet.
iCivics
I Civics: Executive Branch
Students will learn about the executive branch, including the unique role and powers of the president and the function of executive departments and agencies. They will explore key facets of foreign policy and the president's role in it....