Limits of Power

Put the words advice and advise on the board and define the terms:

• advice (n) recommendation regarding a decision or course of conduct
• advise (v) to give advice or counsel

The president has some powers that he may only execute with the “advice and consent” of the Senate.

Refer to Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution which defines presidential powers. Point out when the president must act with the advice of the United States Senate (to make treaties; appoint ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, and judges of the Supreme Court; name heads of executive departments). An example of how this works is the following: If a judge in a federal (U.S.) district court retires or dies, the president has the power to appoint his or her successor. Usually the two Senators from that state will make recommendations or advise the president on who should be appointed. The president may or may not take their advice. Once the president appoints someone to the position, it is up to the Senate to give consent, or approve, the appointment. If the Senate rejects the president’s nominee, a new person must be appointed. This is an example of checks and balances, which occur in all three branches of the government.

Explain that this model of not allowing the president to have all the decision-making power is used in other forms of “governing” as well. Ask the participants to think of examples, guiding them with the following questions:

1. At home, is there an opportunity for household members to offer advice before a decision is made?
2. In the school, does the principal have the power to make all decisions, or is the principal “advised” by others such as central staff, teachers, students and parents?
3. Considering a classroom, are all decisions made by the teacher or is “advice” given by the students on some decisions?

Brainstorm and list the advantages and disadvantages of having decisions made with input from others.

State that one of the advantages in limiting power is that it protects us from having a government run by a dictator. The rights of all citizens are protected by limiting presidential power, which contributes to the common good. The common good benefits in many situations from considering diverse points of view. Discuss other protections that contribute to the common good (freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, putting the rule of law over the wishes of one person, equality, the right to vote).

Talk about how important it is for citizens to actively participate in their community and government.

In an open, democratic community, citizens will pay attention to issues and needs and contribute their time and talents for the common good. In a closed, totalitarian community, citizens will not be as free to act for the sake of the common good. In some circumstances, they may be told what to do, or they may leave problems to the government to be solved.

Pair off participants and give them three minutes to develop a list of ways citizens can participate in their government. Once time has elapsed, give an additional three minutes for them to describe how they can participate in their community to promote the common good.

Share lists.

Put the word philanthropy on the board. Ask for definitions. Define philanthropy as individuals and organizations providing their time, talent, and/or treasures and taking action for the common good. Brainstorm a list of such activities (include some examples in history and around the world as well). Going back to the previous lists accumulated in the three minute time segments, explain that citizens participating in their government and students participating in their community (school) are also examples of philanthropy since they are giving of their time and talent (and possibly treasures) for the common good of the whole community.