Chapter 9: Powers of the President The duties and responsibilities of the president can be divided into seven categories: Chief Executive Head of State Commander-in-Chief Chief Diplomat Legislator-in-Chief Party Leader Comforter-in-Chief

Chapter 9: Powers of the President Chief Executive: “he shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed” 0 Sect, 3 of Article the Constitution The president has the authority to enforce the laws of the country. The president has the entire executive branch to help him carry out the laws of the land. Making Appointments – Has the power to make judicial and executive branch appointments that have to be approved the Senate. Appointments include cabinet and subcabinet members, ambassadors, Senior Executive Service, “Schedule C” positions.

Chapter 9: Powers of the President Granting Pardons – The Constitution gives the president the power to “grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences, against the United Stated, except in Cases of Impeachment.” A reprieve is an action whereby the President can reduce the severity of length of a felon’s sentence, but it does not erase the conviction. A pardon wipes out both the guilt and sentence, and completely restores all civil rights to the offender. Pardons and reprieves are usually granted as a corrective action – to reverse a wrongfully or politically motivated conviction.

Chapter 9: Powers of the President Head of State: Most nations split the head of state and chief executive duties. Example: King and Queen and Prime Minister (Great Britain); or President and Prime Minister ( Germany). President fulfills certain ceremonial and symbolic obligations Symbol of our government and nation. Represents the majesty and dignity of the office. Provides our national voice Gestures carry special meaning an importance.

Chapter 9: Powers of the President Commander-in-Chief Declaring War – Congress has the power to declare war, raise an army, and fund wars President has the power to manage and execute military action. Framers of the Constitution did not want the president to have the ability to both declare and execute wars w/o Congressional involvement. Military Commander – President is in charge of the armed forces – he/she is the first general and admiral.

Chapter 9: Powers of the President Chief Diplomat: President has the powers to make treaties and recognize foreign government, as well as, enter into executive agreements w/ other heads of state. Signing a Treaty – Need 2/3 of Senate approval in order to enter into a foreign treaty. President alone drives the treaty process. Decides which treaties to pursue, select negotiators, devises strategies, and lobbies the Senate for approval. Can even reject treaties that Senate has approved, if he/she does not like the changes made by the Senate. A treat is not recognized until the president signs it into law.

Chapter 9: Powers of the President Diplomatic Recognition – The president has the sole power to recognize a foreign government. Presidents ability to receive and send ambassadors. Formal recognition is required of a foreign government before treaties, executive agreements, and other diplomatic actions can take place. Executive Agreements – A pact between the U.S. and a foreign government that falls short of being a treaty, but binds the two countries to a mutual action such as arms reduction, trade agreements, military commitments, and territory annexation. Does not require Senate approval, and allows president to negotiate international agreements quickly and in secret. Require reauthorization.

Chapter 9: Powers of the President Legislator-in-Chief – President proposes legislation, works w/ Congressional leaders on scheduling and strategy, and frequently lobbies members on key votes. State of the Union – President must “ from time to time give Congress information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration, such Measure as he shall judge necessary and expedient.” The president’s most powerful tool to shape the legislative agenda. Veto Power – President has the power to reject any legislation passed by Congress. Allows President to influence and shape legislation by raising specter of a veto. Congress can override a veto w/ 2/3 majority of both chambers.

Chapter 9: Powers of the President Party Leader – President sets his party policy, defines the legislative agenda, establishes the tone for political dialogue, and the party’s chief spokesperson. Responsibilities as the leader of his party: Fundraiser Selects National committee chairperson Writes the party policy platform at nominating convention Influences party members in Congress w/ promise of fundraising support and project for their district Campaigns for candidates.

Chapter 9: Powers of the President Comforter-in-Chief – President can make his/her deepest connection with American people in times of crisis and tragedy. This is not in the Constitution Commands the American public’s undivided attention Turn to president for comfort, guidance, and perspective in times of crisis, and tragedies. W/ TV and mass media coverage, this aspect of the president has taken on a more important role.