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 Line-Item Veto.

Would Line-Item Veto give the President too much power? Explain how or how not.