Presidential Powers Executive Powers The Founders had two

Presidential Powers

Executive Powers – The Founders had two reasons to give the national government a strong executive – One of the main weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation was its lack of an independent executive to carry out the acts of Congress. – Many of the Founders distrusted direct participation by the people in decision making.

Executive Powers Article II, Sections 2 and 3 define the president’s powers: The president is Commander in Chief of the armed forces, responsible for national security. The president appoints, and the Senate confirms, the heads of executive departments.

Executive Powers Enforce, put into effect, and carry out the provisions of federal law The power also to interpret the laws Ordinance Power o Executive Orders • EX. Japanese to interment camps (FDR) • Desegregation of the military (HST) • Immigration (BHO)

Diplomatic Powers Chief Diplomat: Make treaties o Needs 2/3 of Senate to ratify Appoint ambassadors to other nations and the U. N. o Senate confirmation Formally recognize other foreign governments

Military Powers Shared with Congress Powers however are almost without limit Most presidents give command authority to military subordinates Presidents almost always have final say & responsibility o Ex. - Truman using the atomic bomb against Japan o Ex. - Bush Sr. ’s decision to invade Panama

Military Continued Wartime Powers are even greater o President can ration food and gas, control wages and prices, seize and operate private industry (WWII) o Keep domestic peace

Legislative and Judicial Powers Influences Congress o Veto power o President is only one that can shut down Congress • Most vetoes used was by FDR; 635 • Least amount Monroe and Van Buren; 1

Executive Powers The president appoints federal court judges Can pardon those convicted of federal crimes (but not state crimes) Can reduce a person’s jail sentence or fine.

Informal Executive Powers A number of presidents have expanded the powers of the executive because of their beliefs about the office. – Thomas Jefferson purchased the Louisiana Territory from France. – Theodore Roosevelt said that the president has the right and duty to “do anything that the needs of the Nation demanded, unless such action was forbidden by the Constitution or by the laws. ”

Informal Executive Powers Some presidents expand their power based on the immediate needs of the nation: – During the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln suspended the writ of habeas corpus and jailed opponents of the Union without trial or the legal authority to do so. – During the Great Depression Franklin D. Roosevelt expanded the role of the federal government in the economy. – Following the terrorist attacks of 2001, George W. Bush gained sweeping authority from Congress to

Informal Executive Powers A mandate - the expressed will of the people, often as a result of an election —is one of the greatest sources of political power. Major newspapers, magazines and the Internet provide a forum, or medium for discussion, for presidential messages.