Ch. 7 The Executive Branch

Roles of the President Chief Executive Chief Diplomat Commander-in-Chief Chief Legislator Head of State Economic Leader Party Leader

Chief Executive As Chief Executive, the president is in charge of 15 cabinet departments and more than 3 million government workers. The president appoints the heads of cabinet departments and large agencies (Senate must approve) Ex. Dept. of Defense, State Dept., Dept. of Treasury

Can be good for the nation—Ex. Order 9981 (1948) desegregates military The president does not have any legislative powers (can not make laws), but he can issue executive orders—rules or commands that have the force of law. Can be good for the nation—Ex. Order 9981 (1948) desegregates military Can be detrimental to the country—Ex. Order 9066 (1942) Japanese American Internment camps Trump – 23 in 82 days Obama – 277 in 8 years George W – 291 – 8 years Bill C – 364 – 8 years

Trump 50 – 9 months Obama 277 – 8 years GW Bush 291 – 8 years Clinton 364 – 8 years GHW Bush 166 – 4 years Reagan 381 – 8 years FDR 3721 – 12 years

Power of Appointment The president can appoint federal judges, including Supreme Court justices. This is important because the way the Supreme Court interprets laws greatly affects life in the U.S. Most presidents will appoint justices who share views similar to their own Influence will be felt long after they leave the White House

Besides the power of appointment, the president does have some judicial powers. The president can grant pardons, or declarations of forgiveness and freedom from punishment The president can also issue a reprieve, an order to delay a person’s punishment until a higher court can hear the case. Commute sentences – person keeps the charge but doesn't have to serve sentence Can also grant amnesty, a pardon toward a group of people.

Examples of Presidential Amnesties In 1795 President George Washington issued an amnesty to all participants in the Whiskey Rebellion, which involved a protest by farmers in Pennsylvania against paying federal taxes The power of amnesty was also used by Presidents Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter for more than 10,000 individuals who had resisted the draft during the Vietnam War.

Bill Clinton’s Pardons “Pardongate” Carlos A. Vignali had his sentence for cocaine trafficking commuted, after serving 6 of 15 years in federal prison. Roger Clinton, the president's half-brother, on drug charges after having served the entire sentence more than a decade before. Roger Clinton would be charged with drunk driving and disorderly conduct in an unrelated incident within a year of the pardon. 138 more pardons in the last months of office. Bush did the same thing – 189 total plus 11 commutes.

Which of the following is a check by the executive as Chief executive? Vetoes Bills Appoint judges Issues executive orders Appoints officials 10

Chief Diplomat The president is responsible for directing foreign policy, or the country’s strategy on how we deal with foreign nations and the relationships we build, directs the US in making key decisions about how we conduct ourselves in the world 11

Commander-in-Chief As commander-in-chief, the president is in charge of all branches of the armed forces. Congress and the president share the power to make war. Only Congress can declare war, but only the president can order soldiers into battle. Can order troops to end disturbances within the U.S

Commander in Chief Congress has declared war only 5 times, yet presidents have sent troops into action over 150 times. After the undeclared Vietnam War, Congress passed the War Powers Act (1973) The President must inform Congress he is sending troops into battle immediately & he must bring them home after 60 days unless Congress grants an extension or declares war 13

Chief Legislator Leads Congress in lawmaking Can write a bill but someone in Congress must introduce Gains support for legislation through the mass media 14

Chief Legislator Only Congress may introduce bills, but the executive branch proposes most legislation. All presidents have a legislative program that they want Congress to pass. The speeches they give to key members of Congress and the public is done so to build support for their programs. The presidents’ staff works on the laws with members of Congress. Ex. Patriot Act or tax cuts

Chief Legislator The president and Congress often disagree. A main reason for that the president represents the whole nation. Congress members only represent their states or districts Another reason is that the president can only serve two terms. Many Congress members win reelection many times and remain in office sometimes for decades. As a result, the president often wants to move faster on programs than members of Congress do. (Status Quo v. Change)

Head of State/Chief of State The president is the living symbol of the U.S. As head of state, the president is responsible for hosting visiting foreign leaders and carrying out ceremonial functions. Ex. Awarding medals or throwing out the first pitch at a baseball game.

Economic Leader As a country’s economic leader, it is the presidents’ job to ensure that the economy and nation is prospering. The president must plan the federal budget and try to deal with problems such as unemployment, rising prices (inflation), and high taxation. Makes sound fiscal policy

Party Leader The president is the face of his or her political party. Members of the political party work hard to elect the president into office. In return, the president gives speeches to raise campaign money and help fellow party members win political office in the Senate, House, and Governor’s seats.

How long is a Senator’s term? 2 years 4 years 6 years 8 years 20

What is the main purpose of Congress? Make Treaties Make Laws Approve executive appointments Approve Treaties 21