Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

Executive Command

Subject Area

Social Studies

Grade(s)

12

Overview

In this interactive game from iCivics, students assume the role of President of the United States and learn how to propose an agenda to Congress, sign bills into law, delegate new laws to the appropriate federal agency, handle international diplomacy, and command the military during times of war. This game can be used while teaching a lesson on the executive branch for reinforcement or after as an assessment. It can be played in a whole group or individually.

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    Social Studies (2010) Grade(s): 12 - United States Government

    SS10.USG.12

    Evaluate constitutional provisions of the executive branch of the government of the United States, including checks by the executive branch on other branches of government and powers, duties as head of state and head of government, the electoral process, and the Twenty-fifth Amendment.

    Unpacked Content

    UP:SS10.USG.12

    Vocabulary

    • checks and balances
    • head of state
    • head of party
    • informal powers
    • symbolic power
    • President's Cabinet
    • Executive Office of the President
    • 25th Amendment
    • Electoral College

    Knowledge

    Students know:
    • Powers and limitations of the presidency from both the Constitution as well as informal sources, including tradition and media influence.
    • Supporting offices and positions in the Executive Branch that aid the president in achieving policy goals.
    • Process by which the president is elected including how amendments to the Constitution have changed or limited the process.

    Skills

    Students are able to:
    • Classify presidential powers as either constitutional, informal, or symbolic.
    • Appraise the value of positions in the President's Cabinet using criteria such as organizational operations and budget appropriated by Congress.
    • Assess the degree to which positions in the Executive Office of the President hold influence over presidential decision-making.
    • Estimate the extent to which informal presidential powers impact policy-making outcomes.

    Understanding

    Students understand that:
    • The role and powers of the president are shaped by constitutional provisions as well as the input of other offices and positions, including members of the executive branch, the media, and citizen expectations.
    Link to Resource

    CR Resource Type

    Interactive/Game

    Resource Provider

    iCivics
    Accessibility

    Accessibility

    Graphics: includes alt tags or long descriptions
    Video resources: includes closed captioning or subtitles
    License

    License Type

    Custom
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