In this eight week flex course, students will grow in their understanding of the executive branch of government in the United States.  Students will learn the constitutional basis for the powers of the presidency and powers of the president that have evolved over time from Supreme Court cases and judicial review.  Students will examine the various roles the president plays and the way in which a president can be removed from office.  The remaining elements of the executive branch and their purposes will be explored with a thorough overview of the president's cabinet of advisors.
Lecture videos utilizing power point slides will be posted weekly for students to view.  Some lectures will have worksheet study guides to fill in, and some will require learners to practice note taking skills.  Students will receive outside homework via the class discussion stream to help reinforce class lessons and solidify the information they are learning.  An end of session evaluation will be provided to parents for your student's portfolio/records upon request.  Students must have completed the course homework to receive the evaluation.
Students will be asked to contribute to thought discussions posted in the classroom twice a week.  This dialogue will allow students the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills as they work on articulating views and listening to the ideas and opinions of others. 
Students will engage collectively in a 'Path to the Presidency' campaign project where they will present a campaign slogan and platform speech via video for classmates to review and provide feedback on.


Session 1 - Constitutional Powers of the Executive Branch 
                   Enumerated and Inherent Powers - The Take Care Clause of Article ll
                   Special Powers of the Presidency (Executive Orders, Emergency Powers, Executive Privilege)

Session 2 - Seven Presidential Roles

Session 3 - Impeaching the President 
                   Impeached Presidents in America's Past
                   
Sessions 4 and 5 - The Executive Branch Beyond the Presidency
                               The Vice Presidency
                               The Cabinet
                               The White House Office

Session 6 and 7 - Path to the Presidency:  Campaigning and Political Parties
                             Unpopular Presidents:  Presidents Who Did Not Win the Popular Vote

Session 8 - Notable and Not So Notable Chief Executives
                            

Students should have the ability to do basic writing in order to take notes and do the in class worksheets.  The age range for this class is 14-18 year olds and is best geared towards high school age students.

Students are highly encouraged to continue on to United States Government - Session 4.