American Government Chapter 14: notes

Senate Approval for Presidential Appointments The president makes the following nominations, and each must be approved by the Senate: Ambassadors and other diplomats Cabinet members and their top aides Heads of independent agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency All federal judges, U.S. Marshals All officers in the armed forces

Treaties The president usually enacts treaties through the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State does most of the negotiating. The Senate must provide ‘Advice and Consent’ for ALL treaties with a 2/3 vote. Once the Senate approves a treaty, the president ratifies the treaty. Treaties have the same legal standing as do acts passed by Congress.

Undeclared War & The War Powers Resolution Presidents have used the armed forces abroad, in combat, without a declaration of war by Congress. The War Powers Resolution was passed in 1973 by Congress: Designed to place close limits on the president’s war-making power Within 48 hours of committing American forces to combat abroad, the President must report to Congress – scope and details of the action Combat commitment must end within 60 days, unless Congress agrees to a longer period Congress may end the combat commitment at any time by passing a concurrent resolution