Article II

Definition

Article II of the United States Constitution establishes the executive branch of the federal government, including the office of the President. It outlines the powers, duties, and structure of the presidency, defining it as the head of the executive branch and the commander-in-chief of the armed forces.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Article II establishes the presidency as the head of the executive branch, granting the president significant powers such as the ability to sign or veto legislation, appoint federal judges and other officials, and serve as commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
2. The president is elected to a four-year term and can be re-elected only once, as per the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution.
3. Article II outlines the process for impeachment, which allows Congress to remove the president from office for 'Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors'.
4. The president has the power to grant pardons and reprieves, except in cases of impeachment, which can be used to forgive federal crimes.
5. Article II establishes the Electoral College as the system for electing the president, where each state is allocated a number of electors based on its representation in Congress.

Review Questions

• Explain the key powers and responsibilities granted to the president under Article II of the Constitution.
  • Article II establishes the president as the head of the executive branch, granting them significant powers and responsibilities. The president serves as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, has the power to sign or veto legislation, appoint federal judges and other officials, and grant pardons and reprieves for federal crimes. The president is also responsible for enforcing and administering the law, as well as representing the United States in foreign affairs.
• Describe how the system of checks and balances applies to the executive branch under Article II.
  • Article II's establishment of the presidency is balanced by the system of checks and balances outlined in the Constitution. While the president has significant powers, the other branches of government can limit the executive branch's authority. For example, Congress has the power to impeach and remove the president, and the judicial branch can rule on the constitutionality of the president's actions. This system ensures that no single branch of government becomes too powerful, promoting a balance of power and preventing the abuse of authority.
• Analyze how the design and evolution of the presidency, as outlined in Article II, have shaped the role of the executive branch in the American system of government.
  • The framers of the Constitution envisioned the presidency as a powerful yet constrained office, with Article II outlining its key powers and responsibilities. Over time, the role of the executive branch has evolved, with the presidency becoming increasingly influential, particularly in areas of foreign policy and national security. However, the system of checks and balances has remained a crucial safeguard, ensuring that the president's authority is not absolute. The ongoing tension between the executive branch's power and the other branches' oversight has shaped the dynamic and complex nature of the American presidency, as the office continues to adapt to the changing needs and challenges of the nation.

Related terms

Executive Branch:

One of the three branches of the U.S. federal government, responsible for enforcing and administering the law.

Separation of Powers:

The division of government into three branches (legislative, executive, and judicial) with distinct powers and responsibilities.

Checks and Balances:

A system that allows each branch of government to limit the power of the other branches, preventing any one branch from becoming too powerful.