6.2 The Presidency in Action
Do Now:
Do the rules still apply in times of
crisis?
Presidential Powers
Power to Execute Law:
The President has the power to take the
loose framework of law provided by
congress and fill it in with details that are
necessary for day to day administration.
Presidential Powers
Power of Executive Order:
The President has the power to issue
regulations that have the effect of law.
While this power is has limits, they are not
perfectly clear and have not been tested.
Presidential Powers
Appointment Power:
This power enables the President to
choose cabinet members, federal
judges, ambassadors and the heads
of independent agencies.
Presidential Powers
Power of Treaty:
Only the President has the power to
enter treaty with other parties
(though the senate must confirm).
Presidential Powers
Executive Agreements:
These are agreements with other
countries that have the power of
law. They are similar to treaties but
do not require the senate’s consent.
Presidential Powers
Recognition:
The President alone has the power
to formally acknowledge the
existence of another nation.
Presidential Powers
Commander in Chief:
The President has almost unlimited
power in times of war. He can send
troops into battle, ration goods, and
use the military to keep the peace at
home.
Presidential Powers
Legislative Powers:
The President helps set the agenda in
Congress by giving three messages each
year (State of the Union {speech}, Budget
Message, Economic Report) as well as
sending regular messages to members of
congress.
Presidential Powers
Powers of Clemency (Mercy):
The President has the power to
Reprieve, Pardon, Commute, and
grant Amnesty.
Presidential Powers
The Veto Power:
The President may reject any piece of
legislation by veto. While it can be
overridden by congress with a 2/3 vote,
this happens only a few times each
term.
Presidential Powers
View the following political cartoons
and identify which power(s) are
being referred to.
6.2 Assignment
In 1996 Congress gave the power to the President to
remove specific lines from legislation that he signed
into law. It was very controversial and was
overturned in 1998.
Watch the videos and read the article about LineItem Veto.
Would Line-Item Veto give the President too much
power? Explain how or how not.