Presidential Powers

This passage explains the powers the Constitution gives the president, such as being commander-in-chief, making treaties, appointing leaders, and vetoing laws. Over time, presidents expanded these powers, especially during crises. Lincoln used his powers during the Civil War, Roosevelt expanded them during the Great Depression, and modern presidents use executive orders. These powers allow quick action but raise questions about too much authority. The passage shows how presidential power has changed since the Constitution was written.

Passages like this help students expand vocabulary with terms like “treaties,” “veto,” and “appoint.” They practice comprehension by connecting constitutional rules with historical examples. Critical thinking is strengthened by analyzing the pros and cons of expanding power. Reading structured nonfiction improves grammar and sentence structure awareness. Finally, this develops the ability to summarize complex information clearly.