A major earthquake hits 80 miles south of San Francisco incurring enormous damage with hundreds feared dead or missing, and billions of dollars in property damage. The president mobilizes the National Guard as well as regular army units to assist in the rescue effort and to help maintain order. He instructs agencies of the federal government (ex: FEMA, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security) to send aid. After visiting the “Quake Zone,” the president addresses a joint session of Congress and requests short and long term financial assistance for the affected areas. a) Identify and explain which formal Constitutional powers apply to this scenario
b) What informal powers and/or roles of the president apply? Explain.
c) Are the president’s actions constitutional? Identify which section of the Constitution supports your answer
d) Do you agree with the president’s decision? Why or why not?