Founding Principles: American Governance in Theory and Action (Chapter 4--The Presidency)

12 minutes 38 seconds

Now Playing As: Captioned (English) (change)

Is the president the most powerful leader in the free world? In this episode, Dr. Andrew Rudalevige discusses the role of the executive branch. He explains the role and responsibilities of the president as outlined in the Constitution. Part of the "Founding Principles: American Governance in Theory and Action" series.

Media Details

Runtime: 12 minutes 38 seconds

Topic: History, Social Science
Subtopic: Government, Law, U.S. History (General)
Grade/Interest Level: 10 - 12
Standards:

Release Year: 2015
Producer/Distributor: PBS Learning Media
Series: Founding Principles: American Governance in Action

Founding Principles Website

Visualization of the U, S branches of government. Green arrows lead from Legislative to Executive and Judicial. A red arrow leads from the Judicial to Executive. Background is a collage of government terms like, Checks and Balances, and Gridlock.

Color illustration of a multi-story factory with 3 smokestacks. Text overlay reads, "Refined 98% of sugar sold in U, S." The name E, C Knight is visible at the bottom right corner.

Closeup of parchment with cursive writing just barely visible in the top right corner.

Dr. Andrew Rudalevige stands in front of a black and white photo backdrop of F, D, R doing a fireside chat and a portrait photo John F. Kennedy that has been placed at the bottom of the frame.

Dr. Andrew Rudalevige faces camera with a confused expression on his face. Next to him, a text box reads, "Certiorari. Noun. A writ or order by which a higher court reviews a decision of a lower court."

Dr. Andrew Rudalevige stands in front of camera, gesturing out with both hands. Behind him, a black and white collage of a baby crying and another baby looking just off camera.

Mind map chart shows a central circle, labeled Media's Effects, branching off in 3 directions to 3 circles labeled Framing, Agenda Setting, and Priming.

Portrait photos of Barack Obama and Mitt Romney with text on image that reads, "129 million 237 thousand 647 people voted in 2012 U, S Presidential Election."

Dr. Andrew Rudalevige faces camera with a video frame next to him in the shape of a T, V set. The image on the T, V shows several teenagers wearing white blindfolds.

Dr. Andrew Rudalevige faces camera next to text that reads, "Political Action Committee. Noun. An organization that raises money privately to influence elections or legislation."