Signing Statement

Written By Jonathan Milner

Definition

A “Signing Statement” is a written comment issued by a President at the time of signing legislation.  Often signing statements merely comment on the bill signed, saying that it is good legislation or meets some pressing needs.  The more controversial statements involve claims by presidents that they believe some part of the legislation is unconstitutional and therefore they intend to ignore it or to implement it only in ways they believe is constitutional.  Some critics argue that the proper presidential action is either to veto the legislation (Constitution, Article I, section 7) or to “faithfully execute” the laws (Constitution, Article II, section 3). The National Constitution Center on signing statements. When President Obama added a signing statement 941 - Statement on Signing the Ukraine Freedom Support Act of 2014 on December 18, 2014 nobody really noticed. Now you know!

Example

 
 

Questions

  1. What is a signing statement?

  2. Why do presidents use signing statements?

  3. Is there anything about signing statements in the Constitution?

  4. Do presidents use as many signing statements when their party has a majority in Congress?

  5. Find an image or emoji that does a good job of conveying the meaning of signing statement?

  6. Did presidents always use signing statements?

  7. How do signing statements impact democracy?

  8. How do signing statements impact separation of powers?

  9. How do signing statements impact checks and balances?

  10. Find an example of signing statement in current events:

Remember!

Now, let’s commit this term to our long-term memory. On a scrap piece of paper, take 10 or 20 seconds to draw signing statement. Draw with symbols or stick figures if you wish. Nothing fancy. Don’t expect a masterpiece. No one else will see this but you. Look at your drawing. That’s all - now it’s downloaded into your memory. Destroy the piece of paper in a most delightful way.

Further Review

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Jonathan Milner

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