Article II of the Constitution | US Government and Politics | Khan Academy

Summary

This video explores Article Two of the U.S. Constitution, which establishes the executive branch and the presidency. Experts Professor Sai Prakash and Professor Michael Gerhardt discuss the framers' intent, the balance of power, and the evolution of presidential authority over time. They examine the initial hesitance to empower a single executive, the precedent set by George Washington, and how modern presidents have expanded their powers through executive orders and military action. Ultimately, the discussion highlights the ongoing debate about the appropriate limits of presidential power in a democratic system.

Takeaways

• 😀 Article Two of the Constitution establishes the executive branch and defines the presidency's roles, powers, and election process.
• 😀 The Founders were initially hesitant about a single executive due to their experience with monarchy and the Articles of Confederation's lack of an executive branch.
• 😀 Various options for the executive branch were considered, including an executive council or a single president requiring approval for major decisions.
• 😀 The Virginia Plan proposed a single executive serving seven years without re-election, which influenced the eventual structure of the presidency.
• 😀 The Framers aimed to balance sufficient executive power to govern effectively while preventing tyranny, reflecting their historical context.
• 😀 Presidential powers have evolved over time, with some, like the authority to remove officials, being clarified through practice rather than explicitly outlined in the Constitution.
• 😀 The Vesting Clause in Article Two remains a point of debate regarding the extent of presidential authority beyond those expressly listed.
• 😀 The president can check legislative power through the veto, while having limited checks over the judiciary, primarily through appointments.
• 😀 Executive orders allow the president to set priorities and direct operations within the executive branch, but their longevity depends on subsequent administrations.
• 😀 George Washington's presidency set important precedents, including the notion of limited terms and the principle that the president is a servant of the people, not a ruler.

Q & A

What is the purpose of Article Two of the Constitution?

Article Two establishes the executive branch of the U.S. government, detailing the office of the president, eligibility requirements, election processes, and presidential powers.

Why were the Founders initially hesitant to create an executive branch?

The Founders were concerned about concentrating power in a single individual due to their recent experience with monarchy, leading to the absence of an executive branch in the Articles of Confederation.

What alternative forms of executive leadership did the Founders consider?

They considered a plural executive council or a single president who would require approval from a council for important decisions, but ultimately opted for a unitary executive.

How quickly did the Framers agree on the executive branch's structure?

The Framers reached a consensus relatively quickly, proposing a single executive early in the Philadelphia Convention, influenced by the Virginia Plan.

What major powers are granted to the president in Article Two?

The president is granted powers such as being commander-in-chief of the military, the ability to pardon, nominate officials, and negotiate treaties.

What is the 'Vesting Clause' and why is it significant?

The Vesting Clause states that 'the executive power shall be vested in a President of the United States,' raising ongoing debates about whether it grants the president additional powers beyond those explicitly listed.

How have presidential powers changed over time?

Presidential powers have expanded, with presidents claiming authority over law execution, military actions, and emergency powers, often without explicit constitutional provisions.

What checks does the executive branch have on the legislative branch?

The president can veto legislation, recommend measures to Congress, and influence legislation through the State of the Union address, requiring significant majorities to override a veto.

What role does the president have regarding the judiciary?

The president nominates federal judges but has limited control over judicial decisions, typically enforcing court judgments as part of executive practice.

What precedent did George Washington set as the first president?

Washington established the precedent of serving only two terms and emphasized the importance of the presidency as a position of public service, not tyranny, reassuring the public of the new government's stability.