Starters Jonathan Milner Starters Jonathan Milner

How many bills did Donald Trump sign last year?

Critical Analysis

Find answers to the following questions using the visual above, any links below, your big brain, and your knowledge of American government and politics:

  1. According to the data from the visual above, how many public laws did President Trump sign in the first year of his second term?

  2. According to the data from the visual above, identify the president who signed the most public laws in the first year of their administration.

  3. According to the data from the visual above, identify the president who signed the least number of public laws in the first year of their administration.

  4. Based on the data from the visual above, Describe a change in the number of public laws signed between 2009 and 2025. 

  5. Draw a conclusion about the amount of laws signed by presidents between 2009 and 2025. 

  6. Explain how the law signing process demonstrates the concept of separation of powers.

  7. Besides the law signing power, what is another way presidents can make policy?

  8. Describe one way that Congress can check the president’s policy making power.

  9. When the Constitution was written, Congress had the sole power to declare war. Today, because of the evolution of our government, presidents can pretty much use force without congressional approval. Make a claim about whether Presidents will stop needing Congress to make policy?

  10. Explain the connection between the visual above and the visual below*.

  11. The only branch of government directly elected by the people is the Congress - the People’s Branch - constructed by the Framers to be the most powerful branch. What would the Framers think about a Congress that passes fewer laws each year?

Write and Discuss

Take ten minutes to write about the question at the top of the page and then discuss with your classmates.

Act on your Learning

Contact your U.S. Senators (no matter what state you are from, you have two!) and let them know what you think about the number of laws they are passing.

Get Creative

If the U.S. Congress were a fading celebrity icon who would they be?

Learning Extension*

AP Government Exam Review Updated for 2026
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Glossary

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