Presidential Power The Presidency is called the most powerful office in the world. According to Article II (Executive Article) of the Constitution, it establishes the presidency and executive power is vested in the President of the United States. The President has the power to command the armed forces, make treaties, approve and veto acts of Congress, receive diplomats, grant pardons and reprieves, and make sure all laws are faithfully executed. In 1787 Roger Sherman of Connecticut held the President’s power should be that of carrying out the will of the legislative branch—the President should be accountable to the legislature.

Why Presidential Power Has Grown Presidential power has grown enormously in the past 200 years. The office and its powers are held by one person. He is the chief executive. The country has become more industrialized and technologically advanced, so people have demanded more of the President and the federal government to take a role in the transportation, communication, health, welfare, employment, education, civil rights, and other needs of the country. Much is also demanded of the Congress, but Congress has neither the time nor the ability to deal with technical issues due to its immense size.

Why Presidential Power Has Grown Every President since Theodore Roosevelt has utilized the mass media to build support for governmental policies. Mass Media- radio, TV, internet, etc. There are still limits on presidential power. Harry Truman tried to seize the steel mills during the Korean War to prevent a strike, but the Supreme Court ruled only Congress could take such action in Youngstown Sheet and Tube Co V. Sawyer in 1952.

The Presidential View—Stewardship Theory There are two important views of the Presidency. President Theodore Roosevelt took the “stewardship theory”—every President was a steward of the people and was bound to do everything possible for the people. The President must do everything for the country except what the Constitution prohibits. The President must act in the public welfare. William Howard Taft held the President must act in a way that cannot be traced to a specific power.

The Presidential View—The Imperial Presidency Another view of Presidential power centers around the Imperial Presidency. Imperial Presidency-This involves the view of the President as an emperor or some other figure taking on strong leadership roles. It involves the President acting without Congressional approval and acting in secrecy. Some have argued such presidents have acted in such a way as if they were not accountable to the people. Richard Nixon is a prime example.

Execute The Laws As chief executive, it is the duty of the President to execute, administer, and enforce the laws passed by Congress. This is provided for in the Constitution in the Oath of Office which is sworn by the President upon taking office. The Constitution requires the President to enforce all federal laws regardless of his opinion of them.

The Ordinance Power The President is also the chief administrator in this country. Administering and enforcing federal laws involves the job of administering all the executive bureaus and departments in the federal government. The President has the power to issue executive orders—power to execute, enforce, and administer the law. The President thus has the ordinance power- the power to issue executive orders- originates from Constitution and acts of Congress

The Appointment Power With the Approval of a simple majority vote of the Senate the President may appoint: 1.Ambassadors and other diplomats 2.Cabinet Members 3.Heads of Independent Agencies such as the EPA 4.All federal judges 5.All officers in the armed forces