1. Presidential Leadership
The Executive Branch
Presidential Leadership

2. Informal Sources of the President’s Power
Presidents have added to their powers by their actions; for example, Theodore Roosevelt (26) declared his intent to do anything the needs of the nation required if such action was not expressly forbidden by the Constitution
During national crisis, presidents like Abraham Lincoln (16) and Franklin D. Roosevelt (32) greatly expanded the powers of the presidency as the federal government dealt with dangers facing the U.S.
Modern presidents claim their ideas and policies represent a mandate (a formal order given by a higher authority) from the people, and they use TV and other media to build support for their ideas

3. Formal powers are granted by Article II of the Constitution

4. Limits on Presidential Power
The Constitution gives Congress the power to limit presidential authority by overriding a veto or impeaching and removing the president from office for clear abuse of power
The federal courts also limit the president’s power. The Supreme Court can overturn presidential actions, as it did President Truman in Youngstown Sheet and Tube v. Sawyers (1952) (pg. 768)

5. Limits on Presidential Power
The federal bureaucracy sometimes limits presidential power by obstructing programs or failing to carry them out properly, especially when key bureaucrats work closely with powerful congressional leaders to carry out their own programs rather than the president's
Public opinion can limit the president’s actions, as it did with President Lyndon Johnson’s (36) policies in Vietnam and President Clinton’s (42) proposed national health care program

6. Roles of the President
As Head of State: performs ceremonial roles; a symbol for the U.S.
As Chief Executive: sees that laws of Congress are carried out/enforced; grants pardons (release from legal punishment), reprieves (the postponement of legal punishment), or amnesty (a group pardon to individuals for an offense against the government)

7. Roles of the President
As Chief Legislator: Proposes legislation; usually in the State of the Union Address
As Economic Planer: Prepares annual federal budget
As Party Leader: Supports party members

8. Roles of the President
As Chief Diplomat: Directs foreign policy; has sole power to make treaties, with Senate approval
As Commander in Chief: Commands armed forces of the U.S.; shares with Congress the power to wage war; makes key military policy decisions; may use armed forces to end disorders of give aid in natural disasters

9. Presidential Leadership Skills
Must understand the people of the U.S.
Must be able to communicate effectively and to explain their polices clearly in order to inspire public support
Must know when the time is right to introduce new policies or make key decisions

10. Presidential Leadership Skills
Must be flexible and open to new ideas
Must be able to compromise
Must have political courage and be willing to go against public opinion in matters they believe are vital to the nation’s best interests

11. Use of Executive Privilege
Executive Privilege: the right of the president and other high-ranking executive officers to refuse to testify before Congress or a court
To keep White House discussions and advice secret, presidents invoke executive privilege to avoid giving such information to Congress of the Courts

12. Use of Executive Privilege
Modern presidents have claimed that executive privilege also protects their communications with other members of the executive branch
The Supreme Court has ruled that executive privilege is constitutionally based