Diplomatic Powers The power to make treaties- a formal agreement between two or more sovereign states. Senate must give 2/3 vote approval to make it effective. Senate does not “ratify” treaties- only “Advice and Consent”. Treaties have the same legal standing as an act passed by Congress. Treaties can not conflict w/ Constitution.

Diplomatic Powers Executive Agreement: pact between the President and the head of a foreign state. Most agreements come from legislation (laws) or other treaties. No Congressional action needed. Power of Recognition- when the President receives the diplomatic representative of another sovereign state. Acknowledge legal existence of that country and its government.

Military Powers Commander in Chief- commander of the nation’s armed forces. President sets military policy and has almost unlimited power. Most authority is given to military subordinates. Some military use has led to undeclared wars. 8 times since WWII the President has used military force. War Powers Resolution restricts the power of the President.

Legislative Powers President is nation’s chief legislator. Recommending legislation- advise and recommend Congress on certain measures. Veto Power- rejecting a law, sending it back to Congress. Pocket veto is used with some frequency. Line Item Veto- strike out certain parts (line items) of a bill. Clinton v. New York, 1998 declared line item veto unconstitutional.

Judicial Powers Reprieve- the postponement of the execution of a sentence. Pardon- legal forgiveness of a crime. Commutation- reduce the length of a sentence or fine by a court. Amnesty- blanket pardon offered to a group of violators. These are powers of clemency- mercy or leniency. Only cases involving federal offenses.