Chapter 9: Powers of the President
The duties and responsibilities of the president can be
divided into seven categories:
I.
Chief Executive
II. Head of State
III. Commander-in-Chief
IV. Chief Diplomat
V. Legislator-in-Chief
VI. Party Leader
VII. Comforter-in-Chief
Chapter 9: Powers of the President
Chief Executive: “he shall take Care that the Laws be
faithfully executed” 0 Sect, 3 of Article the
Constitution
•
The president has the authority to enforce the laws of
the country.
•
The president has the entire executive branch to help
him carry out the laws of the land.
–
–
Making Appointments – Has the power to make judicial
and executive branch appointments that have to be
approved the Senate.
Appointments include cabinet and subcabinet members,
ambassadors, Senior Executive Service, “Schedule C”
positions.
Chapter 9: Powers of the President
–
–
–
–
Granting Pardons – The Constitution gives the president
the power to “grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences,
against the United Stated, except in Cases of
Impeachment.”
A reprieve is an action whereby the President can reduce
the severity of length of a felon’s sentence, but it does not
erase the conviction.
A pardon wipes out both the guilt and sentence, and
completely restores all civil rights to the offender.
Pardons and reprieves are usually granted as a corrective
action – to reverse a wrongfully or politically motivated
conviction.
Chapter 9: Powers of the President
Head of State: Most nations split the head of state and
chief executive duties. Example: King and Queen
and Prime Minister (Great Britain); or President and
Prime Minister ( Germany).
–
–
–
–
–
President fulfills certain ceremonial and symbolic
obligations
Symbol of our government and nation.
Represents the majesty and dignity of the office.
Provides our national voice
Gestures carry special meaning an importance.
Chapter 9: Powers of the President
Commander-in-Chief
•
Declaring War – Congress has the power to declare war,
raise an army, and fund wars
–
President has the power to manage and execute military
action.
–
Framers of the Constitution did not want the president to
have the ability to both declare and execute wars w/o
Congressional involvement.
•
Military Commander – President is in charge of the armed
forces – he/she is the first general and admiral.
Chapter 9: Powers of the President
Chief Diplomat: President has the powers to make treaties and
recognize foreign government, as well as, enter into executive
agreements w/ other heads of state.
–
Signing a Treaty – Need 2/3 of Senate approval in order to
enter into a foreign treaty.
•
•
•
President alone drives the treaty process. Decides which
treaties to pursue, select negotiators, devises strategies, and
lobbies the Senate for approval.
Can even reject treaties that Senate has approved, if he/she
does not like the changes made by the Senate.
A treat is not recognized until the president signs it into law.
Chapter 9: Powers of the President
–
Diplomatic Recognition – The president has the sole power
to recognize a foreign government.
•
•
–
Presidents ability to receive and send ambassadors.
Formal recognition is required of a foreign government
before treaties, executive agreements, and other diplomatic
actions can take place.
Executive Agreements – A pact between the U.S. and a
foreign government that falls short of being a treaty, but
binds the two countries to a mutual action such as arms
reduction, trade agreements, military commitments, and
territory annexation.
•
Does not require Senate approval, and allows president to negotiate
international agreements quickly and in secret. Require
reauthorization.
Chapter 9: Powers of the President
Legislator-in-Chief – President proposes legislation, works w/
Congressional leaders on scheduling and strategy, and
frequently lobbies members on key votes.
–
State of the Union – President must “ from time to time
give Congress information of the State of the Union, and
recommend to their Consideration, such Measure as he
shall judge necessary and expedient.”
•
–
The president’s most powerful tool to shape the legislative agenda.
Veto Power – President has the power to reject any
legislation passed by Congress. Allows President to
influence and shape legislation by raising specter of a veto.
•
Congress can override a veto w/ 2/3 majority of both chambers.
Chapter 9: Powers of the President
Party Leader – President sets his party policy, defines the
legislative agenda, establishes the tone for political dialogue,
and the party’s chief spokesperson.
–
Responsibilities as the leader of his party:
•
•
•
•
•
Fundraiser
Selects National committee chairperson
Writes the party policy platform at nominating convention
Influences party members in Congress w/ promise of
fundraising support and project for their district
Campaigns for candidates.
Chapter 9: Powers of the President
Comforter-in-Chief – President can make his/her deepest
connection with American people in times of crisis and
tragedy. This is not in the Constitution
–
Commands the American public’s undivided attention
–
Turn to president for comfort, guidance, and perspective in
times of crisis, and tragedies.
–
W/ TV and mass media coverage, this aspect of the
president has taken on a more important role.