Discussion Questions

1. Why did the framers of the Constitution provide the legislative branch with so much power? How is the Congress different from the president or the courts? What are some of the checks on the legislature?

2.

• Why has the vice president's role been expanded? Why or why not? Cite examples

• What are some disadvantages of relying on a committee to decide the fate of a piece of legislation? List the types of congressional committees. If you were a member of Congress, on what types of committees would you like to sit? Should you choose your committee based on your personal interests or the concerns of your constituents?

• Why did the framers of the Constitution provide the legislative branch with so much power? How is the Congress different from the president or the courts? What are some of the checks on the legislature?

• Explain informal powers. How do modern presidents use their ability to shape public opinion to support their policy agenda? Include discussion of the Internet and the effect of social networks on presidential power and tactics

• The framers of the Constitution intended that the president share power with the other branches of the government. Is that true today? Does the president have more power today than the framers intended?

• Why has there been conflict and tension between the U.S. Congress and the President when it comes to the conduct of foreign policy and national security interests?