PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

Watch the video and arrange the events in the correct order

checks and balances

To understand how power works in the United States, it is important to know about checks and balances. This system means that power is shared. Important decisions are not made by one person alone, not even by the President. This is done on purpose, to protect democracy.

The US government is divided into three branches: the Executive, the Legislative, and the Judicial branch. Each branch has its own responsibilities. The idea of checks and balances makes sure that no branch becomes too powerful. Before big decisions are made, at least one other branch must agree or review them. This creates balance in the system.

The three branches are connected, but they also work separately. You can think of them as three corners of a triangle, where each corner has its own task:

  • The Executive Branch: The President leads this branch. The President makes sure the laws are followed and can suggest new laws to Congress.

  • The Legislative Branch: Congress belongs to this branch. Its main job is to write, discuss, and pass laws.

  • The Judicial Branch: This branch includes the Supreme Court. It checks laws to make sure they follow the Constitution.

No branch can act completely on its own. Each one has ways to limit the power of the others. For example:

  • The courts can say that actions taken by the President are against the Constitution.

  • Congress can remove judges if they have done something seriously wrong.

  • If Congress passes a law that the President does not agree with, the President can veto it. However, Congress can still pass the law if enough members vote for it.

  • The President can refuse to share certain information with Congress, but Congress can start investigations to get answers.

  • Congress also has the power to remove a President from office.

  • Only Congress can officially declare war, but in urgent situations the President has special emergency powers.

Because of checks and balances, people can trust that important decisions are not rushed. Big actions, such as declaring war, must be discussed carefully and approved by elected leaders. This system helps protect citizens and keeps power from being misused.

Activities for checks and balances

Discussion

What reasons could the Founding Fathers of the Constitution have had in creating three branches of government? What might be the reason for it being divided?

Writing

In your document, write one paragraph in which you explain “checks and balances”. 

The US President and the Cabinet

One famous building in Washington, D.C. is the White House. This is where the President lives and where the government leaders meet and work. The President is chosen by the people and leads the Executive Branch together with the Cabinet.

The President

The President is elected for a period of four years. Since 1951, a President can only serve two terms in total. The election process takes a long time and includes several steps. First, political parties hold primary elections in each state. During these elections, voters choose which candidate will represent their party.

After this, the chosen candidates travel around the country to campaign and try to win support from voters. The final election is held in November. Many candidates prepare for years before running for President. Campaigns cost a lot of money, and much of it often comes from the candidates themselves or from supporters.

The President has many important responsibilities. He or she is the leader of their political party and the head of the Executive Branch. The President must work together with Congress, but this can be difficult if Congress is controlled by the opposing party. The President also manages the national budget and is the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces.

In addition, the President chooses judges for the Supreme Court. These judges must be approved by the Senate before they can begin their work. The President also represents the United States in international matters. This includes meeting leaders from other countries, making agreements, and working with organisations such as NATO and the United Nations.

The cabinet

The Cabinet is a group of advisers who help the President lead the country. It includes the Vice President and the leaders of 15 government departments. The President selects the Cabinet members, but the Senate must approve them. Cabinet members work directly for the President and remain in their positions only as long as the President wants them to.

Answer the following questions

  1. How long is one presidential term?
  2. How many terms can a President sit for?
  3. Name some of the roles/duties of a President?
  4. In what month does a Presidential election take place?
  5. Who are the members of a President’s Cabinet?
  6. Do you know of any presidents? What do you know about that person? Write what you know without looking up any information.

Task: Strangers on the Street

In this task, you will use English to talk about a current topic. You will not share your own opinions. Instead, you will speak through a character.

You will work in pairs and record your interview. Both students will take turns being the interviewer and the person being interviewed.

Choose an accent

Choose one of the four accents. Try to imitate the accent and speaking style as best you can. You do not need to be perfect — the goal is to try.

Southern Accent

New York Accent

Boston Accent

California Accent

The situation

You are walking along the local High Street when a small camera team stops you and asks:

Should 15-year-olds be allowed to vote?

The interview

You will record your interview and hand it in.

Take turns:

  • One student is the interviewer.
  • One student is the person being interviewed.
  • Then switch roles.

When you are being interviewed:

  • Introduce your character (name, age, job, where you live).
  • Share your character’s opinion and explain why they think that way.
  • Try to use the accent and speaking style of your character.

When you are the interviewer:

  • Ask follow-up questions.
  • React to what the person says.
  • Ask questions like Why do you think that?, Can you explain more?, or What about the other side?

Presentation format

Your interview should be recorded as:

  • a video, or
  • an audio recording.

Goals of the task

The main goals are that you:

  • practise speaking English,
  • try different American accents,
  • stay in “character”,
  • explain thoughts clearly,
  • ask and answer follow-up questions,
  • and have fun while learning.
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