1. The Presidency in Action
Powers of the President

2. A. The President’s Constitutional Powers
1. Approve or veto acts of Congress
2. Make treaties with other countries
3. Appoint diplomat to foreign countries
4. Appoint Supreme Court justices and federal judges
5. Appoint other government officials
6. Command the nation’s armed services
7. Grant pardons for federal crimes

3. B. Diplomatic and Military Powers
1.Executive Agreement: an agreement between the chief executives of two nations; does not require senatorial approval
2. Recognition: a practice in which one government acknowledges the legal existence of another

4. Diplomatic and Military Powers
3.Treaty: a formal agreement between two or more nations; requires Senate approval

5. C. War Powers Act War Powers Act (1973)
Within 48 hours after sending American forces into combat, the President must make a full report to Congress.
American involvement must end within 60 days unless Congress authorizes a longer period.
Congress may end the use of American combat forces at any time by passing a concurrent resolution.
Only Congress has the power to declare war, while president can “make” war.

6. More than 200 times, Presidents have sent U. S
More than 200 times, Presidents have sent U.S. forces into combat without declaring war.
Korean War
( )
Vietnam War
( )
Persian Gulf War I ( )
Persian Gulf War II
(2003 to present)

7. D. Legislative Powers
Once Congress passes a law, the president has several choices and 10 days to make a decision.
Sign the bill and it can become a law.
He may veto the bill.
The bill can become law after 10 days with no presidential action.
pocket veto
line-item veto

8. E. Judicial Powers Pardon- release from legal punishment.
Reprieve- postponement of legal punishment.
Commutation- reduction of a legal punishment.
Amnesty- group pardon
These powers focus on forgiving persons who have committed federal crimes against the United States

9. F. The President’s Advisors
The Executive Office of the President
White House Office
National Security Council
Office of Management and Budget
Office of National Drug Control Policy
Council of Economic Advisors

10. G. The President’s Cabinet
The heads of the executive departments make up the president’s cabinet.
Secretary of State (1789)
Secretary of the Treasury (1789)
Secretary of Defense (1947)
Attorney General (1947)

11. The Roles of the President
Chief of State:
This role requires a president to be an inspiring example for the American people. In some nations, the chief of state is a king or a queen who wears a crown on special occasions, celebrates national holidays, and stands for the highest values and ideals of the country. As the American Chief of State, the president is a living symbol of the nation. It is considered great honor for any citizen to shake the president's hand.

12. Roles of President: Chief Executive: Chief Diplomat:
The president is the "boss" for millions of government workers in the Executive Branch. He or she decides how the laws of the United States are to be enforced and chooses officials and advisors to help run the Executive Branch.
Chief Diplomat:
The president decides what American diplomats and ambassadors shall say to foreign governments. With the help of advisors, the president makes the foreign policy of the United States.

13. Roles of the President Commander-In-Chief Legislative Leader
The president is in charge of the U.S. Armed Forces: the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps. The president decides where troops shall be stationed, where ships shall be sent, and how weapons shall be used. All military generals and admirals take their orders from the president.
Legislative Leader
Only Congress has the actual power to make laws, but the Constitution gives the president power to influence Congress in its lawmaking. Presidents may urge Congress to pass new laws or veto bills that they do not favor.

14. Roles of the President Chief of Party Gaurdian of the Economy
In this role, the president helps members of his or her political party get elected or appointed to office. The president campaigns for those members who have supported his or her policies. At the end of a term, the president may campaign for reelection.
Gaurdian of the Economy
In this role, the president is concerned with such things as unemployment, high prices, taxes, business profits, and the general prosperity of the country. The president does not control the economy, but is expected to help it run smoothly.