US National Archives
Our Documents: Desegregation of the Armed Forces(1948)
Read a brief overview of the history behind this executive order that integrated the segregated military and then read a copy of the complete original text.
Other
Executive Order Authorizing Military Tribunals
Summary of President George W. Bush's Executive Order authorizing the creation of military tribunals for the detention and trial of those thought to be linked to terrorism against the United States. Other helpful resources are also...
CNN
Cnn: Obama Plans Executive Order to Close Guantanamo Bay
President Barack Obama will issue executive orders concerning the closure of the U.S. military detention facility at Guantanamo Bay. The banning of torture and a review of detention policies are included. (January 22, 2009)
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Undoing a President
A good description of the Watergate affair, what led up to it, who was involved, and why it was such a big deal.
Thomson Reuters
Find Law: United States Constitution: Article Ii
Full text of Article II from the U.S. Constitution, as well as detailed annotations that explain the reasoning and subsequent impact of each clause and section of the Article. Content explores everything from the nature and scope of...
Center For Civic Education
Center for Civic Education: How Constitution Used to Organize the New Govt [Pdf]
This lesson describes how, using the guidelines provided in the Constitution, the First Congress in April 1789 named the new president and vice president, provided funding for the new government, organized the executive branch, organized...
US Government Publishing Office
U.s. Government Publishing Office: Our American Government, 2000 Edition
A popular introductory guide for American citizens and those of other countries who seek a greater understanding of our heritage of democracy. The question-and-answer format covers a broad range of topics dealing with the legislative,...
Other
Poder Ejecutivo Del Gobierno De La Republica De Costa Ri
This page shows the breakdown of the Executive Branch of the Government of Costa Rica. Each part of the branch (President, VP, etc.) contains a link to read more about the person.
Yale University
Avalon Project: Constitution of the United States: Article Ii
Read the text of Article II of the Constitution, the four sections of which lay out the powers and duties of the executive branch of the federal government.
PBS
Pbs Online News Hour: Rice on Iraq, War and Politics
Transcript of an interview of National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice in September of 2002, discussing President George W. Bush's ideas about moving the US into war against Iraq.
Michigan State University
Michigan State University: United States History Since 1920: Truman Loyalty Oath, 1947
In March, 1947, President Truman issued an executive order requiring that all Federal employees take a loyalty oath swearing loyalty to the United States. This was a time of fear of Communists and the Soviet Union. Read the entire...
The White House
The White House: Welcome to the White House
The official site for The White House and the Executive Branch of government. The site offers current as well as historical events, speeches, documents, and more. Includes up to date information about the Obama administration, current...
The White House
The White House: Council of Economic Advisers
Official website for the United States Council of Economic Advisers, which advises the President on economic matters. Use the links on the left side to get more background on the Council. Has a link for kids.
PBS
Pbs: Echoes From the White House
Based on the PBS Documentary, Echoes from the White House will give you a virtual tour of the official residence of the President. You will see the White House from its earliest days up to the present day.
Other
Landmark Cases: United States v. Nixon (1974)
This is a great resource for teaching about this key Supreme Court case that dealt with the issue of executive privilege, and became known as the Watergate Scandal. Included is the complete text of the opinion.
iCivics
I Civics: A Very Big Branch
Students learn how the executive departments and agencies regulate and enforce governmental policies, and they explore the roles and responsibilities of the presidential cabinet.
Library of Congress
Loc: George Washington: First in War, First in Peace
Primary texts allow learners to examine George Washington's leadership in times of war and during his presidency. Lesson includes list of excerpts of primary texts, including maps, letters, and speeches, group activities, discussion...
Library of Congress
Loc: Today in History: January 5: Harry S. Truman
Find President Truman's State of the Union message on January 5, 1949, after his stunning victory over Thomas Dewey in November 1948, where he outlines his plans for a "Fair Deal" for Americans. In addition, there are links to other...
CNN
Cnn en Espanol: Plan Inmigratorio: "Esto No Es Una Amnistia"
In Spanish. Article outlines the key components of President Obama's recent action plan on immigration.
Harp Week
Harp Week: The Presidential Elections: 1904 Roosevelt v. Parker
Examines Theodore Roosevelt's role as chief executive after President McKinley's assassination in 1901, his policies during that time, his campaign to win the Republican nomination for the presidential election, the Democratic...
Library of Congress
Loc: American Memory: Theodore Roosevelt Papers
The Theodore Roosevelt Papers from the Manuscript Division of the Library of Congress constitute one of the Library's largest Presidential collections, numbering approximately 250,000 items. The collection includes diaries, letter books,...
Northern Illinois University
Tagalog: Philippine Democracy
This is an exhaustive look at the government of the Philippines with brief biographies of the presidents, descriptions of the branches of government, and a diagram of the court system.
US National Archives
Nara: Teaching With Documents: The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (Activity)
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) provides a lesson plan, focusing on the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, that relates to the power granted to the President and the Senate to make and approve treaties with foreign...
Other
Linda Chavez Thompson: Executive Vice President, Afl Cio
A message from Linda Chavez-Thompson, Executive Vice President of the AFL-CIO, regarding the importance of unionization and being active politically.