1. UNIT 3: SECTION 2 EXECUTIVE POWER
Essential Question: Describe the constitutional powers and the roles of the president.

2. The President’s Executive Powers
Presidential Powers
Executive Orders: The President can issue orders to his departments that have the force of law
Executive Orders must be related to powers the President already has.
Example: During WWII, FDR ordered the relocation of millions of Japanese Americans to prison camps in the interest of national safety
Appointment Powers
The President gets to appoint people of his choosing to lead the various programs that fall under the Executive Office

3. Legislative and Judicial Powers
The power to recommend legislation
While the President cannot pass laws on his own, many of the laws passed by Congress have their origins in the Executive Office
As the leader of the nation, the President sets the goals of the nation, Congress is tasked with reviewing those goals and putting them into action by passing laws
Veto Power
One of the greatest powers a President has. By refusing to sign Congressional Bills into law, the President can limit the power of Congress
Line-Item Veto: Presidents have asked for the power to remove parts of legislation from bills so that the majority of a bill may be passed without the need to veto the entire bill
The Supreme Court ruled this unconstitutional in the case of Clinton vs. New York
They feared that it would give the President powers beyond what is defined in the Constitution

4. The President’s Executive Powers
Presidential Appointments
Most Presidential appointments are subject to Senate approval (This serves as a check on Presidential Power)
The Power of Removal
Since the President appoints people into positions of power, he / she also has the power to remove them from office (subject to some limitations as defined by the Supreme Court)

5. Diplomatic and Military Powers
Other powers of the President include:
The power to make treaties
Presidents often attempt to strike deals with foreign leaders that are mutually beneficial
All treaties must be approved by the Senate
Executive Agreements
One way around the need for Congressional approval of treaties is for the President to pass an Executive Agreement

6. Diplomatic and Military Powers
Commanding the Armed Forces
As Commander in Chief, the President has the power to command the military
This has created some questions on exactly what that power means since only Congress has the power to declare war

7. Diplomatic and Military Powers
The War Powers Resolution
In 1973, Congress passed a law designed to clarify the relationship between the President and Congress on the ability to send troops into potential hostilities
Within 48 hours of deploying troops, the President must issue a report to Congress explaining why troops were necessary
The commitment of troops must end after 60 days unless Congress gives its approval to keep the troops deployed
Congress may recall the troops at any time if they pass a concurrent resolution (in other words, the troops may be committed as long as Congress gives it support)
There is some question on whether or not the War Powers Resolution is Constitutional.
President Bush threatened to ignore Congress if they failed to support his deployment of troops to Iraq.

8. The Growth of Presidential Power
Reasons for increase in Presidential Power
America’s changing role as a world leader
Since the Great Depression, people have turned to the government for assistance
Americans can identify with the President more easily than with the members of Congress
The use of Mass Media
As Presidential power grows, citizens begin to fear Presidential power
Imperial Presidency: When a President takes actions that further increases the power of his office