Ch. 9.1 Gov. PRESIDENTIAL POWER Objective; discuss the sources and limits of presidential powers

PRESIDENTIAL POWER The Constitution defines the presidency, but other things will determine presidential power …. The immediate needs of the nation The personality of each president The mandate, or expressed will of the people These are Informal Sources of Power. Since Washington was president, other presidents have expanded the powers of their office. They have affected the office of the presidency and made it what it is today.

The Founders of our nation wanted a strong national executive for the following reasons: A. The weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, it lacked an executive to carry out the acts of Congress. It was difficult for government to enforce laws and to respond quickly to problems. B. They distrusted direct participation of the people in decision making. Mass democratic movements might try to redistribute wealth and do away with private property.

Article II of the Constitution grants the president broad but vague powers These include the president’s powers as: A. commander in chief, making the president responsible for national security B. Head of the executive branch, appointing the heads of executive departments with the approval of the Senate, making treaties and appointing ambassadors with the advice and consent of the Senate C. Judicial leader, appointing federal court judges, pardoning people convicted of federal crimes, or reducing jail sentences or fines D. Chief legislator, delivering a State of the Union message to Congress, proposing legislation, and calling Congress into special session when necessary.

The mandate, or expressed will of the people During the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln claimed the Constitution gave him the power to do what was necessary to keep the Union together. During the Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt set up new social & economic programs. In 2001, in response to 9/11; President George W. Bush gained new authority from Congress to fight terrorism Most presidents have used all forms of media to try to create a mandate. They use radio, television, magazines, newspapers, and the White House Web site to get their message to the people.

Limits on Executive Power The president’s power is limited by: Congress has the power to pass legislation over a president’s veto with a congressional override— Other limits include the Senate’s power to confirm or reject appointments, the House of Representatives’ power of the purse, and the power to impeach president. Federal Courts They have the power to review legislative action, and rule it unconstitutional. The Bureaucracy Bureaucrats can stand in the way of presidents’ programs by failing to provide needed information, misinterpreting instructions, and neglecting to complete a task properly. Public Opinion A president cannot carry out a political program without favorable public opinion.