Lesson Purpose
You already learned that the executive branch carries out and enforces the laws passed by Congress. The president is the head of the executive branch. In this lesson, you will learn about the powers of the president. You will also learn how Congress can check the powers of the president.
Lesson Objectives
When you have finished this lesson, you should be able to
- describe how the executive branch is organized,
- identify the powers of this branch, and
- explain some of the limits on its powers.
Lesson Terms
Article II
The part of the Constitution that describes the executive branch of the government.
commander in chief
Electoral College
impeach
treaty
Lesson Biographies
Washington, George (1732-1799 CE)
George Washington was born in Virginia in 1732. He grew up there on several plantations along the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers. He was not particularly well educated, but did learn surveying. In 1753, he began his service to the country, which was to continue throughout his life, despite his desire to live a more private existence. Washington's efforts as commander of the Continental Army are well known. After the Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783, Washington returned to his home, Mount Vernon. Although he did not initially want to attend the Philadelphia Convention, his friends convinced him that his presence was necessary. He was elected president of the convention but spoke little. His presence and approval, however, were important. Nearly everyone assumed that Washington would be the first president of the United States, which, of course, he was, serving from 1789-1797.
