Discussion American Government

On Day 1, I Will …

When candidates for president are out on the campaign trail it is not uncommon to hear them state, “When I am elected President, on day one I will do … .” The candidate then gives a list of one or two executive orders that they will make on their first day in office. In other words, they will make a policy that falls within the vagueness of Article II of the U.S. Constitution or a change of how current laws are executed and thus not needing Congressional approval for such a change.

For your initial post this week, imagine you are a candidate for the White House and present to the class at least one executive action you would take on your first day serving as president. (Please Note: it is not acceptable to state that you think no action should be taken.)

Go beyond just stating what the executive order you would make is. Make an argument supporting your action. Is it a legal action? Does the president have the power to take this action without Congress? Is this really a state issue and not a federal issue? Is this executive action, in your opinion, a good idea, why or why not? Would the public be in favor of such an executive action?

For your follow up posts challenge one of your peer’s proposed executive actions. Is it a legal action? Does the president have the power to take this action without Congress? Is this really a state issue and not a federal issue? Is this executive action, in your opinion, a good idea, why or why not? Would the public be in favor of such an executive action?

For your follow up post you may also respond to the challenges or critiques of your peers to your initial post.

View your discussion rubric.