Video: Understanding the Constitution - The Executive Branch

Summary:

Description: This series takes a close look at the United States Constitution and how it works. Learn how the President leads the country. This program clearly explains how the President recommends new legislation to the Congress, exercises veto power, the role of his Cabinet, and the President's responsibilities as Commander in Chief of the military. © 2001 Discovery Education Grades: 3-8    (22 min.)

Segments:

Introduction: A Virtual Tour of the Origins of the Presidency (00:46)
Emergence of the Presidency, the Executive Branch, and the Federal Government (09:28)
The Flawed Articles of Confederation (02:18)
A Strong National Government: The Virginia Plan (02:13)
Debates in the Constitutional Convention (04:00)
Ratification of the Constitution (00:56)
Electing the President (02:39)
Article Two: The Powers of the President (04:46)
Powers of the President and Checks and Balances (01:53)
The Presidential Veto (01:02)
The Power of Impeachment (01:45)
The Vice President (01:46)
The State of the Union (00:46)
Conclusion: Fulfilling the Dream of the Framers of the Constitution (00:18)