The Presidency Mr. Hayward Government

Sources of Presidential Power Constitutional Powers Constitution is very vague executive power of the nation will be vested in a president????? Need for a Strong Executive Did not want a tyrant But wanted a strong executive Carry out acts of congress Hold the legislature in check Legislature is the most powerful branch

Sources of Presidential Power Powers Defined in the Constitution Article II of the Constitution power to execute laws, veto legislation, command the military, and engage with foreign leaders. With Senate approval can make treaties with foreign nations and appoint ambassadors and federal judges.

Sources of Presidential Power Inherent Powers those claimed by the president that are not clearly expressed in the Constitution “the executive power shall be vested in a President” The Louisiana Purchase Jefferson assumed through executive power Roosevelt Quoted…“I have used every ounce of power there was in the office and I have not cared a rap for the criticisms of those who spoke of my ‘usurpation of power’; … I believe that the efficiency of this Government depends upon its possessing a strong central executive….”

Sources of Presidential Power Inherent Powers Korean War Truman tried to take over nations steel mills to prevent disruption Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional Cannot seize private property

Sources of Presidential Power Immediate Needs of the Nation Can happen during war or emergencies Civil War – Lincoln – Jailed opponents of union, raised armies without congressional approval FDR – created the New Deal to create jobs during depression George W. Bush – Declared war on terrorism, created Patriot Act - Spying Executive Privilege Not in constitution Withholding info from congress – SC ruled yes

Sources of Presidential Power Popular Opinion They say that since they won the election, the people must agree with their plans and priorities. Reagan did this wonderfully

Sources of Presidential Power Checks and Balances of Pres. Powers Supreme Court can rule executive actions unconstitutional Congress can pass legislation even if a president vetoes it Senate must confirm a president’s appointees and all treaties. Congress must also approve the budget

Sources of Presidential Power Checks and Balances of Pres. Powers House and Senate can also impeach the president House of Representatives initiates the impeachment Senate investigates the accusation and then votes about whether or not to remove the president from office. two presidents have been impeached 1868 - President Andrew Johnson over issues related to how southern states would be reconstructed – Senate acquitted by 1 vote

Sources of Presidential Power Checks and Balances of Pres. Powers 1998 the House voted to impeach President Bill Clinton over charges that he committed perjury and obstructed justice in an investigation about his relationship with someone who worked in the White House Senate acquitted him

Seven Main Roles of the President What Role Means 1. Head of State 2. Chief Executive 3. Commander in Chief 4. Chief Diplomat 5. Legislative leader 6. Economic Planner 7. Party leader

Seven Main Roles of the President What Role Means 1. Head of State ceremonial figure representing the United States. 2. Chief Executive the president leads the executive branch of government, which implements the laws that Congress passes. The president also appoints (with Senate confirmation) federal judges and the heads of executive departments and agencies. 3. Commander in Chief the president is responsible for the nation’s security and is in charge of the military. 4. Chief Diplomat the president meets with foreign leaders, appoints ambassadors, and makes treaties (with Senate approval). 5. Legislative leader State of the Union Address, proposes legislation, signs or vetoes laws, special sessions of congress 6. Economic Planner Prepares an annual budget for congressional approval. Uses economic advisors to do so. 7. Party leader Leads his own political party. Rewards party supporters with positions in government

Head of State and Chief Executive The Appointment Power     Can appoint 23 cabinet members Partially limited by the Senate….have to approve top level appointments. Assignment…Look up the 23 cabinet positions in the executive branch and who holds each position on President Obama’s staff. Add a description of each position as well

President as Commander in Chief Power to Make War Congress retains the power to declare war, as well as the power to provide the funds to pay for the military Even so, presidents have sent American forces into action many times without a formal declaration of war.   

President as Commander in Chief War Powers Act of 1973 Passed by congress limit the president’s ability to wage war without a formal declaration by Congress prevented presidents from committing troops to combat for more than 60 days without congressional approval allowed Congress to order the president to disengage troops involved in an undeclared war

President as Commander in Chief War Powers Act of 1973 The law has not substantially changed presidential engagement in war-making, however Nixon vetoed the law, but Congress mustered enough votes to override his veto

President as Commander in Chief Since 1973…….. President George H.W. Bush ordered an invasion of Panama to overthrow the dictator Manuel Noriega…without approval In 2001 President George W. Bush began the “war on terrorism” by sending troops to Afghanistan…congressed gave special authorization 2011 President Obama did not receive congressional approval for NATO airstrikes in Libya by the 60-day deadline

President as Commander in Chief Shadow Wars fought in secret by special operations troops hired private contractors, and armed drones—remote-controlled, pilotless aircraft firing missiles. It is aimed at tracking down and killing terrorists in places like Pakistan, Yemen, and Somalia The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Pentagon have the primary responsibility for such operations under the overall direction and authority of the president.

President as Commander in Chief Shadow Wars fought in secret by special operations troops hired private contractors, and armed drones—remote-controlled, pilotless aircraft firing missiles. It is aimed at tracking down and killing terrorists in places like Pakistan, Yemen, and Somalia The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Pentagon have the primary responsibility for such operations under the overall direction and authority of the president.