Chapter 14 American Government Growth of Presidential Power

Chapter 14 American Government Growth of Presidential Power The Constitution established the office of President, but debate about the extent of the office’s powers has continued throughout the nations history

The Constitutions Executive Article, Article II gives the President some specific powers, but it gives few details about them. • Over time, the presidency has become very powerful. • The President stands as the single strong leader or the executive branch. • Americans have looked to the President for leadership on complex issues. Obama explains Apple vs. FBI • As commander in chief, the President has been asked to take decisive action in times of national emergency. • Congress has granted the executive branch the authority to carry out many of its laws and thus strengthened the presidency. • The President has used the mass media to capture public attention.

The President has great power to give orders, to decide how laws are carried out, and to appoint federal officials. • This power comes from the Constitution and the oath of office – the solemn promise to “ preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution”. oath to office • The President possesses the ordinance power - the ability to issue executive orders. An executive order is a directive, rule, or regulation that has the effect of law.

The President has power to: • • Enforce law Administer law Issue executive orders Appoint and remove executive officials ( this is a key power)

It’s Quiz Time! • With the President having all this power, would it fair to call it the “imperial presidency? ” Why or why not? • What is an executive order?

While the President shares various diplomatic and military powers with Congress, in some areas his power is almost unlimited. • The President is in charge of foreign affairs for the United States. • He can make a treaty, or a formal agreement with another nation. (This must be approved by a 2/3 vote of the Senate. ) Iran Treaty • To avoid the Senate the President can make an executive agreement, or pact with another nation’s leader. • The President also has the power of recognition – to acknowledge – and by implication support – the legal existence of another country and its government.

Continued… • The power to declare war belongs to Congress. • However, the President as commander in chief can make war and has done so over 200 times. • The President can send troops into combat without a congressional declaration of war. (like Vietnam, Iraq ISIS)ISIS • To limit the Presidents power Congress passed the War Powers Resolution of 1973. It says combat must stop after 60 days without the authorization of Congress.

As part of the system of checks and balances, the Constitution gives the President important legislative and judicial powers Legislative Powers Judicial Powers Ø May recommend legislation Ø May grant a reprieve on a sentence Ø May veto legislation with a regular veto or a pocket veto Ø May grant a pardon for a crime Ø May allow a bill to become a law either with or without a signature Ø May commute the length of a sentence or the amount of a fine (The President would love to have the line item veto) Ø May grant amnesty to a group of law violators

It’s Quiz Time! • For what reason would the President use an executive agreement? • How may the President veto legislation today?

Chapter 14 Quiz • Article II of the Constitution gives the Executive branch its power, but it gives few details. In your opinion who should determine the details? The President, Congress, the people or the Supreme Court? Explain your answer. • If only Congress can declare war, why do you think the President has power to make war and to use the troops for combat w/o congressional approval? • With the problems between the President and Congress today; would you say that the checks and balances as designed by the framers are working? Explain