Presidential Leadership The Executive Branch Presidential Leadership

Informal Sources of the President’s Power Presidents have added to their powers by their actions; for example, Theodore Roosevelt (26) declared his intent to do anything the needs of the nation required if such action was not expressly forbidden by the Constitution During national crisis, presidents like Abraham Lincoln (16) and Franklin D. Roosevelt (32) greatly expanded the powers of the presidency as the federal government dealt with dangers facing the U.S. Modern presidents claim their ideas and policies represent a mandate (a formal order given by a higher authority) from the people, and they use TV and other media to build support for their ideas

Formal powers are granted by Article II of the Constitution

Limits on Presidential Power The Constitution gives Congress the power to limit presidential authority by overriding a veto or impeaching and removing the president from office for clear abuse of power The federal courts also limit the president’s power. The Supreme Court can overturn presidential actions, as it did President Truman in Youngstown Sheet and Tube v. Sawyers (1952) (pg. 768)

Limits on Presidential Power The federal bureaucracy sometimes limits presidential power by obstructing programs or failing to carry them out properly, especially when key bureaucrats work closely with powerful congressional leaders to carry out their own programs rather than the president's Public opinion can limit the president’s actions, as it did with President Lyndon Johnson’s (36) policies in Vietnam and President Clinton’s (42) proposed national health care program

Roles of the President As Head of State: performs ceremonial roles; a symbol for the U.S. As Chief Executive: sees that laws of Congress are carried out/enforced; grants pardons (release from legal punishment), reprieves (the postponement of legal punishment), or amnesty (a group pardon to individuals for an offense against the government)

Roles of the President As Chief Legislator: Proposes legislation; usually in the State of the Union Address As Economic Planer: Prepares annual federal budget As Party Leader: Supports party members

Roles of the President As Chief Diplomat: Directs foreign policy; has sole power to make treaties, with Senate approval As Commander in Chief: Commands armed forces of the U.S.; shares with Congress the power to wage war; makes key military policy decisions; may use armed forces to end disorders of give aid in natural disasters

Presidential Leadership Skills Must understand the people of the U.S. Must be able to communicate effectively and to explain their polices clearly in order to inspire public support Must know when the time is right to introduce new policies or make key decisions

Presidential Leadership Skills Must be flexible and open to new ideas Must be able to compromise Must have political courage and be willing to go against public opinion in matters they believe are vital to the nation’s best interests

Use of Executive Privilege Executive Privilege: the right of the president and other high-ranking executive officers to refuse to testify before Congress or a court To keep White House discussions and advice secret, presidents invoke executive privilege to avoid giving such information to Congress of the Courts

Use of Executive Privilege Modern presidents have claimed that executive privilege also protects their communications with other members of the executive branch The Supreme Court has ruled that executive privilege is constitutionally based