Politics · Year 13 · Government and Politics of the USA · 2.º Período

US Congress and the Presidency

A detailed look at the legislative and executive branches of the US government. Students will evaluate the power of the President and the effectiveness of Congress.

TL;DR:This unit examines the 'engines' of the US federal government: the legislative branch (Congress) and the executive branch (the Presidency). Students evaluate the formal and informal powers of the President, from the 'power to persuade' to the use of executive orders. Simultaneously, they analyse the functions of Congress, focusing on its ability to legislate, represent constituents, and provide oversight of the executive.

• National Curriculum Attainment Targets
• DfE A-Level Politics Subject Content: US Government
• Edexcel Component 3: US Congress and Presidency

About This Topic

This unit examines the 'engines' of the US federal government: the legislative branch (Congress) and the executive branch (the Presidency). Students evaluate the formal and informal powers of the President, from the 'power to persuade' to the use of executive orders. Simultaneously, they analyse the functions of Congress, focusing on its ability to legislate, represent constituents, and provide oversight of the executive.

For Year 13 students, this is a study in political friction. They explore how the separation of powers often leads to gridlock, especially in eras of hyper-partisanship. Understanding the relationship between these two branches is essential for explaining why some presidents succeed in their agendas while others are 'lame ducks.' Students grasp this concept faster through structured discussion and peer explanation, particularly when role-playing the negotiation process between the White House and Capitol Hill.

Key Questions

1. What are the formal and informal powers of the US President?
2. How effectively does Congress fulfil its legislative and oversight functions?
3. Where does power truly lie in the US federal government?

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

The President can pass laws by decree using executive orders.

What to Teach Instead

Executive orders only apply to the executive branch and can be overturned by the courts or a future president. A 'case study' activity on the DACA programme helps students see the legal and political limits of presidential 'decrees.'

Common Misconception

Congress is a single, unified body.

What to Teach Instead

Congress is bicameral, and the House and Senate often have very different priorities and rules (like the filibuster). Using a 'compare and contrast' grid helps students understand how the two chambers act as checks on each other, not just on the President.

Active Learning Ideas

Role Play

The Bill's Journey

Students take on roles as Committee Chairs, the Speaker, the Senate Majority Leader, and the President. They must attempt to pass a controversial budget bill, navigating the filibuster and the threat of a presidential veto.

60 min·Whole Class

Formal Debate

The Imperial Presidency

Divide the class into two teams. One argues that the President has become too powerful (the 'Imperial Presidency'), while the other argues the President is 'imperilled' by a stubborn Congress and a partisan Supreme Court.

30 min·Whole Class

Stations Rotation

Presidential Power Tools

Set up stations for Executive Orders, Signing Statements, Executive Agreements, and the Bully Pulpit. Students move in groups to find a modern example of each and evaluate its effectiveness in bypassing Congress.

40 min·Small Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the formal powers of the US President?

Formal powers are found in Article II of the Constitution and include being Commander-in-Chief, the power to grant pardons, the power to make treaties (with Senate consent), and the power to veto legislation. However, many modern presidential powers are 'informal,' such as the ability to command media attention.

Why is Congress often described as 'broken'?

Critics point to high levels of partisanship, the frequent use of the filibuster in the Senate, and the influence of 'dark money' as reasons for legislative gridlock. This often results in 'government by shutdown' where basic functions like passing a budget become major political crises.

How can active learning help students understand the US Presidency?

Simulating a 'National Security Council' meeting or a 'Cabinet' briefing forces students to weigh the President's options within constitutional limits. When students have to decide whether to use an executive order or seek congressional approval, they experience the 'power to persuade' first-hand, making the theory of the 'imperilled presidency' much more relatable.

What is the role of congressional committees?

Committees are where the 'real work' of Congress happens. They are responsible for drafting legislation and conducting oversight through hearings. Because they have the power to 'pigeonhole' (ignore) bills, committee chairs hold significant power over which laws ever see a floor vote.