Do Now How much power should the President have?

Presidential Power The President of the United States is one of the most powerful people in the world. To make sure the President does not become too powerful, the framers of the Constitution limited his powers.

Article II, Section 1 of the Constitution set up the office of President, explaining the duties and responsibilities of the President The President’s main duty is to see that laws are carried out. Article II lists most of the presidential powers, but describes them in broad, sketchy terms For this reason, it has been used as an outline of the powers

What are the executive powers? Executive Power: Power granted directly to the President by the Constitution - Commander in Chief of the armed forces and the state militia - Appoint heads of executive departments with Senate approval - Grant reprieves and pardons, except in cases of impeachment - Make treaties, with the advice and consent of the Senate

What are the executive powers? Appoint ambassadors, federal court judges, justices of the Supreme Court, and other top officials with Senate consent Deliver the annual State of the Union address to Congress and send other messages to Congress from time to time Call either or both chambers of Congress into special session

What are the executive powers? Receive ambassadors and other representatives from foreign countries Commission all military officers of the Untied States Ensure that all laws passed by Congress are carried out

Why has Presidential power grown? Many of the current powers of the President are not written in the Constitution As the country developed and grew, the power of the President grew The President has to act quickly during times of war Sometimes the Supreme Court prevents the President from acting The Presidential view

What are Inherent Powers? Certain presidential powers are not spelled out in the Constitution, but were simply taken by strong presidents and then carried on by those that followed {precedent} These actions are done in the name of the office of the Commander-in-Chief and with the responsibility to “take care that the laws be faithfully executed.” Also known as Implied Powers or Executive Orders…

What are Appointment Powers? Unlike executive orders, the power to appoint is expressed in Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution Presidents use this power to place trusted and like-minded people in influential positions to shape and direct public policy The Senate acts as a check – it must approve most presidential appointments

What are Removal Powers? The president has the authority to remove some officials from office The Constitution gives no guidelines as to how or why an official may be removed

What is Executive Privilege? The right of the President to withhold information from Congress, the courts, or the public Most often claimed when there is a need for secrecy in foreign affairs or in matters of national security.

What are Diplomatic Powers? Making treaties with other nations Must be approved by the Senate Power of recognition – acceptance of the legal existence of another country’s government Sometimes removed to show disapproval of a country’s actions or policies

Presidential Powers Summary Growth of Presidential Power - The Constitution lists the “outline” of the powers of the Pres - As the US has grown, so have the powers of the Pres - The War Powers Act limits military power of the Pres Executive Powers - Makes sure all federal laws are executed - Can make an executive order (order given based on the authority of the Constitution or Congress) - Appoints most of the top-ranking officers of the federal govt - Has the power to remove any official he has appointed, EXCEPT for federal judges - Executive privilege may be used when the Pres needs to keep information private

Presidential Powers Summary Diplomatic and Military Powers Makes treaties with other nations – must be approved by the Senate (2/3 majority) Power of Recognition – can accept the legal existence of another country Commander in Chief of the armed forces Legislative and Judicial Powers All bills Congress passes must be sent to the Pres for approval or veto Can give pardons and reprieves, commute sentences, and give amnesty

Presidential Powers Summary The President has six major jobs as the leader of the country: Chief Executive – heads a giant workforce that carries out the laws Chief of State – meets with leaders of other nations Chief Diplomat – sets the country’s foreign policy Commander-in-Chief – leader of the armed forces Chief Lawmaker – can propose laws to Congress and veto bills from Congress Party Chief – is the leader of his political party