Answer Close-Reading Questions
Have students write their responses, or use the Close-Reading Questions to guide a discussion.
• What is the Secret Service? How does it protect the president? (Integrating Information)
The Secret Service is a group of federal law enforcement officers who protect the president around the clock. They make sure the president doesn’t eat any outside food brought into the White House. Secret Service agents also drive the president around in a special bulletproof car called “the Beast,” which is stocked with bottles of the president’s blood type. The Secret Service even goes with the president to the restroom, workouts, and to doctors’ appointments. Sitting presidents are not allowed to decline such protection.
• What are two ways that Congress can limit the president’s power? (Central Ideas)
One way Congress can limit the president’s power is during conflicts. The president serves as commander in chief of the U.S. armed forces, but only Congress—not the president—has the ability to declare war. A second way Congress can limit the president’s power is by getting to decide whether to approve his or her nominees for Supreme Court justices. The president selects a nominee, who must then be approved by the Senate.
• Can a president own a business? (Key Details)
Although presidents are technically allowed to own private businesses while in office, many experts recommend putting those businesses into a blind trust. That can help the president focus on his or her responsibilities to the nation and avoid receiving payments from foreign powers trying to influence the president.