Presidential Leadership Chapter 14

I. The President's Executive Power Executing the Law Responsible for carrying out the nation's laws. Must carry out laws with which he or she disagrees Discretion in interpreting and how vigorously enforced. Powers derived from past precedent as well as congressional authorizations. The Ordinance Power The bureaucracy of the executive branch is under the authority of the President. Authority to issue executive orders, which have the force of law. The Federal Bureaucracy enforces such orders. Meant to help execute the laws of the land, BUT can have a huge effect on the Public.

The Appointing Power May appoint a handful of officials on own authority. Most important officers appointed by the President (ambassadors, judges, and cabinet members) must be approved by the Senate. **** ONLY the Senate can pass on, approve, or disapprove nominees. Over half the officials in the federal work force are selected through civil service examinations, are not under the direct control of the President. The Removal Power Remove people from office Exceptions to the removal are: all federal judges and members of independent regulatory. CAN remove members of his cabinet, EOP, and members of White House staff.

Executive Privilege Refusal to disclose certain information. Most often – national security

II. The Diplomatic and Military Powers conduct foreign affairs negotiate treaties, or international agreements (through the secretary of state). Treaty: Formal agreement made between or among sovereign states. Senate approves treaties (two-thirds). Congress affords President much more control over matters involving foreign affairs Expectation is Congress will control matters involving domestic policy. Executive Agreements Most routine international agreements are made by executive agreement pacts between the President and the leaders of foreign countries, or their designees. Executive agreements do not require Senate ratification.

The Power of Recognition power to recognize, or acknowledge the legal existence of a country and establish formal diplomatic relations with foreign states. Diplomatic recognition is a powerful weapon recognition, or the lack of it, often determines the success of a new foreign government. The President's Dominance in Military Affairs President shares the war powers with Congress Has almost no limits on his or her role as commander in chief. Usually delegate much of their command authority to military subordinates while retaining final authority in military matters. Only Congress can declare war Presidents have often used the military without formal declaration of war.

Numerous undeclared wars in the country's history, Korean, Vietnam, and "Desert Storm." The President may use the armed forces, including State militias, to keep the peace in times of domestic upheaval. War Powers Resolution Act of 1973. Reaction to the Vietnam War inform Congress of any commitment troops within 48 hours. gain congressional approval if the commitment lasts longer than 60 days. The constitutionality of the War Powers Resolution has been and remains in dispute.

III. The Legislative and Judicial Powers The President in the Legislative Field. State of the Union address Suggests Federal budgets. Recommends specific legislation to Congress. Veto legislation (line-item veto has been declared unconstitutional) Call special sessions of Congress. Adjourn Congress (when the two houses cannot agree on a date) Executive Orders ????

Judicial Powers Reprieves and Pardons in cases of federal law. Reprieve: An official postponement of execution of a sentence. Pardon: Release from the punishment or legal consequences of a crime, by the President (in a federal case) or governor (in a State case) Commute, or reduce, sentences or fines (federal) Grant amnesty (federal)

IV. Presidential Character Eisenhower-orderly Kennedy-improviser Johnson-deal maker Nixon--mistrustful Ford-genial Carter-outsider Reagan-communicator Bush-hands-on manager Clinton-focus on details Bush ???? Iraq – Oil Obama ???