Worksheet # 47 Home Questions Puzzle Links Next

THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH: THE PRESIDENT

Now, branch number two of this government

Is the one whom we hail as our President.

Whose solemn, sworn duty, whose oath and whose task

Is enforcing the laws that Congress does pass.

Though at times their ideas are stamped with a “No”,

Since it’s a president’s right to choose to veto.

-- And like a ship by torpedo, a law vetoed is sunk,

And sent back to Congress to be...well, re-thunk.

And to ride over the will of the executive branch,

It takes many more votes, so it’s hardly a cinch.

As two-thirds of both houses are needed to raise

A bill into law without presidential okays.

The President is also our Commander-in-Chief,

In charge of armed forces in event that some beef

Must call people to action, to battle or war,

To protect our homeland, hold it safe and secure.

He selects judges as well for our land’s highest court

(Unless Congress insists they’re not the right sort).

But the job is no picnic, no day at the beach,

Since every problem on earth seems to fall in its reach.

Yet branch number two of our democratic land

Is one chosen to lead, and needs to well understand:

Neither a king, nor queen, but a fellow citizen,

With only those powers by The Constitution given.

One serves for four years, and may only serve twice

As there’s always the fear: too much power is vice.

But the honor is real, and this high office commands

The respect of a nation and applause from all hands.

Indeed, to land this top job takes winning affection,

Since it’s the people who choose, by means of election.

Who do let The White House for this person to live

With a grandeur befitting our highest executive.