1. Watch the assigned video from Intelligence Squared, The President Has Usurped the Constitutional Power of Congress, (link provided below) regarding the
president’s use of executive powers versus the powers of Congress. Listen carefully to each side of the debate and note their legal arguments. If you’d like,
you may also do some brief research on the use of executive orders (i.e, what determines whether or not one may be used in a given circumstance?).
2. Write a brief position paper (400-500 words) setting out your argument as to whether or not you believe the President’s broad use of executive orders has
usurped the Constitutional lawmaking power of Congress and why. Use law and policy to support your position – not political opinion. Use facts from credible
sources, which should include the debate, to make your points. Remember, since your position is based upon law, not politics, it should not matter which
party is in the White House. If the use of executive actions for all the different aspects for which they are being used are legal, then they are legal no matter
what party holds office. Similarly, if the use of executive orders has strayed outside the boundaries of what is constitutional, then no president should be
acting in such a manner regardless of his or her party affiliation. The position paper must comply with APA guidelines, including grammar, punctuation,
spelling, textual citations, and reference citations.
Link:
The President Has Usurped the Constitutional Power of Congress
