Presidential Powers US Government CP Notes for Chapter 14 Presidential Powers US Government CP

Presidential Powers Vague – The President’s powers are not detailed in the Constitution Tradition/Custom – Presidents enjoy powers that have been established by previous Presidents (such as the Cabinet)

Power Each President uses power differently Current events often dictate what powers a President will use (such as 9/11)

Appointment/Removal Appointment – The power to nominate people for jobs within the government Ex-federal judges, ambassadors, cabinet members (consent of the Senate) Removal – The power to dismiss (fire) appointed officials

Foreign Policy Powers Diplomatic : Powers that help the President deal with other nations and foreign leaders Treaty – A formal agreement between two or more sovereign states (requires Senate approval)

Foreign Policies Executive Agreements – Pacts between the President and heads of foreign states (NO Senate approval required) Recognition -- When the President acknowledges a country or representatives from a foreign country

Military Powers Military : As Commander in Chief the President is the head of all branches of the military. ONLY Congress can officially declare war Troop deployments when national security is threatened.

War Powers Resolution War Powers Act (passed in 1973 as a result of the Vietnam War) within 48 hours of committing troops abroad, the President must report to Congress That combat commitment must end in 60 days unless extended by Congress another 30 days Congress may bring an end to the commitment at any time by passing a concurrent resolution to that effect.**Congress has never tried to enact this

Legislative Type Powers Executive : Powers that help the President carry out the laws of the U.S. as supported by the Constitution Executive Order – A directive or rule issued by the President that has the effect of law

More Legislative Legislative : Powers that help the President shape public policy Recommend Legislation – President sends messages to Congress outlining laws he feels are important

Veto Veto – The power to prevent a bill from becoming a law (can be overturned by 2/3 vote of Congress) Line Item Veto – The President can veto portions of a bill (this power only existed from 1996 – 1998)

Judicial Powers Appointment of judges – Federal judges can be appointed by the President (confirmed by the Senate)

Judicial Powers Reprieve – To postpone the carrying out of a sentence Pardon – To officially forgive a crime Commutation – To reduce the length of a sentence Amnesty – A general pardon offered to a group of law violators (such as draft dodgers)

Other Rarely Used Powers Special Session – President can call Congress into session if they are not already meeting Prorogue (adjournment) – The power to end a session of Congress