Presidential Powers

and Duties

Packet 24

Being President of the United States:(One of the most important and powerful jobs in the world)

The President’s duties can be divided into 3 groups:

Executive Powers

Judicial Powers

Legislative Powers

In enforcing laws

In working with the

court system

In working with

Congress

Presidential Executive Powers(in enforcing the countries laws)

• Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard). Some of these powers are shared with Congress though. The President can send troops to other countries, but only Congress can officially declare war. He can also remove military leaders from power if he wants to.

• Makes treaties with other nations (but, they must be approved by Congress).• Official responsibilities and duties as the head of state.• Appoints people to government positions (cabinet members, ambassadors

to other countries, people in some general government jobs, etc…). • Enforces the countries laws.

Presidential Judicial Powers(in working with the court system)

• Appoints all federal judges, marshals, and U.S. attorneys. The Senate must approve of these appointments.

• Enforces all federal court decisions.• Can grant reprieves and pardons to anyone who’s committed a

crime against the United States.

Presidential Legislative Powers(in working with Congress)

• Suggest new laws to Congress.• Approves or disapproves of laws passed by Congress. If he

approves - it becomes a law. If he disapproves – it ‘s called a veto.• Can call special meetings or sessions of Congress.• Can stop sessions of Congress (has never been done).