The Balance of Power Between the President and Congress

In this assignment, you will write an argumentative essay responding to the prompt below. Your essay should establish a clear thesis, use evidence from foundational documents and/or your knowledge of U.S. Government, and address a counterargument. Be sure to follow all instructions carefully and support your claims with specific reasoning and evidence.

Prompt: The power of the executive branch in relation to the legislative branch has varied over time. Develop an argument that takes a position on the appropriate balance of power between the president and Congress.

Instructions:

• Write a thesis that establishes a clear line of reasoning.
• Support your thesis with at least two pieces of specific and relevant evidence:
  • One piece of evidence must come from one of the following foundational documents: Declaration of Independence, Federalist 51, or Federalist 70.
  • The second piece of evidence can come from any other foundational document not used as your first piece of evidence, or from your knowledge of course concepts.
• Use reasoning to explain how your evidence supports your thesis.
• Address an opposing or alternate perspective using refutation, concession, or rebuttal.

Write an argumentative essay (3-5 paragraphs) that responds to the prompt above. Your essay must:

• Clearly state your position on the appropriate balance of power between the president and Congress.
• Use at least one piece of evidence from the Declaration of Independence, Federalist 51, or Federalist 70.
• Use a second piece of evidence from another foundational document or your knowledge of U.S. government.
• Explain how your evidence supports your thesis.
• Address a counterargument using refutation, concession, or rebuttal.