SUMMARY
The U.S. Supreme Court issued two major rulings on Monday that significantly expand presidential power and President Trump's attempt to further reshape the federal government.
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Short on time? Watch the video and complete the following See, Think, Wonder questions: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What would you want to learn more about?
News alternative: Check out our recent segments from the News Hour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. Then make a copy and answer these general discussion questions.
WARM-UP QUESTIONS
- What previous case did Trump v. Slaughter overturn?
- Who is Lisa Cook?
- What was the majority's argument in favor of Lisa Cook?
- Where did Rebecca Slaughter previously work?
- How does Trump v. Slaughter contradict the way in which Congress had previously decided independent agencies should function?
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
- How do these Supreme Court decisions on executive power change the balance of power in the federal government?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of giving presidents greater control over the executive branch?
Media literacy: Supreme Court decisions are often complex and can be interpreted in different ways. Pay attention to the difference between what the Court actually ruled and how commentators, politicians or media outlets interpret the significance of those rulings. Where could you go to find out more from reliable sources about this case?
WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO
Read this News Hour piece and choose one of the two Supreme Court rulings to focus on — the decision protecting the Federal Reserve's independence (Trump v. Cook) or the decision expanding the president's authority to remove leaders of independent agencies (Trump v. Slaughter).
Research the constitutional arguments on both sides of the case using the following links: Trump v. Cook & Trump v. Slaughter. Then, write a one-page brief explaining:
- What question was the Supreme Court trying to answer?
- What reasoning did the majority use?
- What concerns did the dissent or critics raise?
- Do you agree with the Supreme Court's reasoning? Why or why not?
Written by Jackalyn Karamanougian, PBS News Hour Classroom's intern, and News Hour's Victoria Pasquantonio
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