 What was one original purpose of the electoral college?  How many total electoral votes are up for grabs in a Presidential election?  Explain how the winner-takes-all system can be problematic for the popular vote.

 What are formal and informal powers? Hint: Same as expressed and implied!

Formal Powers = those that are found in Article II of the Constitution Informal Powers = powers that are not explicitly written in the constitution – Occurred due to custom/tradition or historical circumstance – Informal powers EXPAND the power of our Presidency

POWERS OF THE PRES!

Executive Powers

 Executive Orders - orders that have the weight of law  “I’m an executive order, and I pretty much just happen.”  Executive Privilege  Presidential right to withhold information  May determine it in best “national interest” if certain information is kept from the public  This includes Congress and the Courts! Executive Powers

 The Ordinance Power  Executive orders  May issue “commands” or “orders” to “faithfully execute” the laws Executive Powers

Chief Administrator

 Appointment Power  Federal Judges  Cabinet members  Heads of Agencies  Ambassadors  Removal Power  No approval needed  Only applies to appointees within Executive Branch  No elected officials Chief Administrator

Legislative Powers

 Gives State of the Union address to Congress  Special session: May convene both houses of Congress under “extraordinary circumstances”  Lawmaking process:  Veto  Sign  Not sign: becomes law in 10 days  Pocket Veto: not sign at end of Congress’ Session Legislative Powers

 Introducing/Influencing Legislation  Using the media to sway public opinion about laws  Teddy Roosevelt – National Parks  Obama’s Healthcare Reform Legislative Powers

Military Powers

 Commander in Chief:  Commander in Chief of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard!  Formal Declaration of War comes from Congress  Can call the State Militia (National Guard)  Appoint Military Officers Military Powers

 Sending Troops into battle without Formal Declaration of War  Korean War  Vietnam  War Powers Resolution (1973)  Report to Congress in 48 hrs  Has to be authorized by Congress within 30 days  Congress can STOP anytime Military Powers

Diplomatic Powers

 Make treaties Confer with Secretary of State Need 2/3 Senate approval – Not all are approved! – Treaty of Versailles, Kyoto  Executive Agreements - International agreements made by a president that has the force of a treaty  Does NOT need Senate approval  Usually Trade Agreements (EX: Yalta & Potsdam; NAFTA)  Recognize Nations  Receive Ambassadors  Spokesperson for US to other nations Diplomatic Powers

Judicial Powers

 Powers of Clemency:  Reprieve: To delay the punishment/sentence of someone convicted  Pardon: To forgive of a crime and cancel any penalty (EXCEPT in cases of impeachment!) Ex: President Ford pardoned former President Nixon  Power of Commutation  To reduce penalties (sentences)  Power of Amnesty: – A pardon/forgiveness for an offense, especially a political offense Ex: Washington granted amnesty to those involved in Whiskey Rebellion Judicial Powers

Look at the political cartoon to answer your BR questions! 1.Describe what you see in the cartoon. 2.What symbols do you see used? 3.What is the meaning of the cartoon? BELL RINGER!!!