Read about each of the actions below. Decide whether you believe the president should be able to
take each action. Explain your reasons for each decision.
a. A group of rebels in a foreign country overthrows its president and surrounds the American Embassy.
The U. S. president declares war on the rebel government.
b. The president has nominated a new federal judge, but the Senate has not yet approved the
appointment. It seems unlikely that the Senate will vote to confirm the new judge. When the Senate
goes on a holiday break, the president appoints the judge without the Senate's approval.
c. The president meets with the leader of a foreign country. Together, the two leaders agree not to
charge tariffs (taxes on imports) on each other's cars and trucks.
d. Congress passes a law that bans possession of certain drugs. The president instructs the Drug
Enforcement'Agency to focus their enforcement efforts on suspects who appear to be selling large
amounts of the illegal drugs, and not to worry much about people who are caught with small amounts.
e. A staff member from the vice president's office is sentenced to prison time for tampering with an
election. The president pardons the staffer, releasing her from prison.