Government Unit 5

Big Idea:

Understands the structure and functions of the Executive Branch.

Student Expectations:

Priority TEKS

GOV.8(B) analyze the structure and functions of the executive branch of government, including the constitutional powers of the president, the growth of presidential power, and the role of the Cabinet and executive departments

Focus TEKS

GOV.4(A) identify the significance to the United States of the location and key natural resources of selected global places or regions

GOV.4(B) analyze how U.S. foreign policy affects selected places and regions

GOV.5(A) explain how government fiscal, monetary, and regulatory policies influence the economy at the local, state, and national levels

GOV.5(B) identify the sources of revenue and expenditures of the U. S. government and analyze their impact on the U.S. economy

GOV.5(C) compare the role of government in the U.S. free enterprise system and other economic systems

GOV.5(D) understand how government taxation and regulation can serve as restrictions to private enterprise

GOV.6(A) examine how the U.S. government uses economic resources in foreign policy

GOV.6(B) understand the roles of the executive and legislative branches in setting international trade and fiscal policies

GOV.8(D) identify the purpose of selected independent executive agencies, including the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and regulatory commissions, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

GOV.10(B) explain the process of electing the president of the United States and analyze the Electoral College

Ongoing TEKS

GOV.20(A) analyze information by sequencing, categorizing, identifying cause-and-effect relationships, comparing, contrasting, finding the main idea, summarizing, making generalizations and predictions, and drawing inferences and conclusions

GOV.20(B) create a product on a contemporary government issue or topic using critical methods of inquiry;

GOV.20(C) analyze and defend a point of view on a current political issue

GOV.20(D) analyze and evaluate the validity of information, arguments, and counterarguments from primary and secondary sources for bias, propaganda, point of view, and frame of reference

GOV.20(E) evaluate government data using charts, tables, graphs, and maps

GOV.20(F) use appropriate mathematical skills to interpret social studies information such as maps and graphs

GOV.21(A) use social studies terminology correctly

GOV.21(B) use standard grammar, spelling, sentence structure, and punctuation

GOV.21(C) transfer information from one medium to another, including written to visual and statistical to written or visual, using computer software as appropriate

GOV.21(D) create written, oral, and visual presentations of social studies information

GOV.22(A) use a problem-solving process to identify a problem, gather information, list and consider options, consider advantages and disadvantages, choose and implement a solution, and evaluate the effectiveness of the solution

GOV.22(B) use a decision-making process to identify a situation that requires a decision, gather information, identify options, predict consequences, and take action to implement a decision

Student Learning Targets:

• I will understand the role of the Executive Branch
• I will describe the ways in which Presidential powers have expanded throughout history
• I will describe the checks and balances of the Executive Branch

Essential Questions:

• What is the Constitutional role of the Executive branch?
• How does the executive branch function as an institution?
• What are the limits to executive power?

Extra Information:

Adopted Textbook:

District Grading Policy

Texas Gateway Online Resource Center