Reference no: EM132493061 , Length: word count:250
The President and War Powers
When the president chooses to unilaterally (or by himself) use military force in a foreign country, his decision raises important questions about his constitutional authority to do so, Congress's power to check this authority, and the importance of international support. Some people believe that the president's powers are broad and that he/she should act unilaterally (or by himself) without the consent of Congress when there are national security threats. Others disagree with this view, asserting that the president should only act when he/she has the consent of Congress. They argue that when hundreds of thousands of American citizens' lives are placed in harm's way there should be some deliberation and engagement with the other branches of government.
First, watch the videos and read the articles on the presidency and war. Then, address the following questions.
1a. Should presidents be able to engage in military conflicts without a declaration of war (assuming that there is not a time-sensitive threat) from the United States Congress? If yes then why? If not then why not?
1b. Has the United States Congress abdicated (given up) its responsibility to check the executive branch by authorizing funding for the military to pursue these actions? If yes then how so? If not then why not?
The President and Executive Orders
First, read the articles explaining executive actions. Second, watch the videos on President Trump's and President Obama's executive order on immigration. Yes, these videos are left-leaning. Watch the video for the facts and respond to the following questions about the presidency and executive actions.
2. Should the president use executive orders to mitigate gridlock or get his/her initiatives enacted? Why?
3. Were the executive actions of President Obama or President Trump an overreach of their authority? If so, why? or If not then why not? If your response is inconsistent, then what are the implications for governing?