Alabama Social Studies SS24.USG.5a
The Standard
- SS24.USG.5
- Analyze how the functions and authority of the executive branch evolve through changes in the scope of presidential powers, executive orders, executive agreements, and the role of the president in foreign and domestic policy.
Describe how the president of the United States utilizes formal powers to achieve policy goals, including veto power, addressing the nation in the State of the Union Address, and the authority to pardon.
2024 Alabama Course of Study: Social Studies
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students identify when a president can veto a bill, recommend legislation in a State of the Union address, or pardon someone for a federal offense. They explain how each action can serve a policy goal.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Given a bill, a speech excerpt, and a pardon, students can name the power used in each case. They can explain that Congress may override a veto, a speech does not pass a law, and a presidential pardon does not cover state crimes.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think a veto ends a bill for good, but Congress can override it. They may think a State of the Union speech makes law. They may also think a president can pardon state crimes or impeachment.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: A president opposes a bill, wants Congress to consider a new bill, and wants to forgive a federal offense. Name the power used for each action and give one limit.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give groups a one-page mock bill and veto note; stage House and Senate override votes using a two-thirds threshold in each chamber.
Write a two-sentence State of the Union proposal asking Congress to act on school lunch funding; explain why the speech alone changes no law.
Deal six scenario cards; teams sort each under veto, State of the Union, or pardon, then name one legal limit.
Read a published presidential veto message; underline the bill rejected and circle the policy reason the president gives.
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