1. The Presidency in Action Ch. 14

2. Article II, the Constitution’s Executive Article, begins this way:
“The executive power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America.”
This establishes Presidential power, albeit somewhat broadly…

3. Why Presidential Power Has Grown
The champions of a stronger presidency have almost always prevailed.
Increasingly complex social and economic life…
Congress has passed laws and expanded the role of the Federal Government.
The ability to use the mass media as aids in gathering and holding public attention.

4. In groups of 3 or four
Read Article II of the Constitution. After doing so, discuss as a group what powers-if any- are implied. Make a list of powers you believe are implied. If you do not think there are implied powers, explain why not.

5. The Presidential View
The nature of the presidency depends on how each President views the office and exercises its powers.
Two Views:
1.) Broad view of their powers, or
2.) Cannot exercise any power not specifically granted to them.

6. What is your view on the presidency and its powers
Read the two excerpts and decide which view you agree with and create arguments to support your view

7. The Executive Powers 1.) Executing the Law
As chief executive, the President
executes the provisions of federal
law.
2.) The Ordinance Power
Ordinance power: power to issue executive orders.
Executive order: directive, rule, or regulation that has the effect of law.

8. 3.) The Appointment Power
With Senate consent, the President names most of the top-ranking officers of the Federal Government, including:
(1) ambassadors and other diplomats;
(2) Cabinet members and their top aides;
(3) the heads of such independent agencies as the EPA and NASA;
(4) all federal judges, attorneys, and U.S. marshals;
(5) all officers in the armed forces.

9. 4.) The Removal Power
The Historical Debate
Can the President remove appointees without the consent of the Senate?
The view that the President can has prevailed over time.
In general, the President may remove any appointees except federal judges.

10. Diplomatic and Military Powers 1.) The Power to Make Treaties
Treaty: formal agreement between two or more sovereign states.
The President, usually through the Secretary of State, negotiates treaties.
All treaties must pass approval by 2/3 of the members present in the Senate.

11. 2.) Executive Agreements
Pacts between the President and the head of a foreign state.
Unlike treaties, executive agreements do not require Senate consent.

12. 3.) The Power of Recognition
When the President, acting for the United States, acknowledges the legal existence of another sovereign state.
The President may show American displeasure with the conduct of another country by asking for the recall of that nation’s ambassador or other diplomatic representatives in this country.
The official is declared to be persona non grata, or an unwelcome person.

13. 4.) Commander in Chief
The Constitution makes the President the commander in chief of the nation’s armed forces.
Making Undeclared War
Many Presidents have used the armed forces abroad without a declaration of war.
Wartime Powers
The President’s powers as commander in chief are far greater during a war than they are in normal times.
The War Powers Resolution
The War Powers Resolution of 1973 limits the President’s war-making powers.

14. Legislative and Judicial Powers
1.) Recommending Legislation
State of the Union Address.
“Message power.”
2.) The Veto Power
All legislation passed by Congress is sent to the President for approval.
If the President disapproves of a bill, he can veto it.
3.) Calling a Special Session
The President can call a Congress into special session to address a pressing matter.

15. Presidential vetoes FDR 372 263 635 9 Truman 180 70 250 12
regular vetoes Pocket vetoes Total overrides
FDR
Truman
Eisenhower
JFK
LBJ
Nixon
Ford
Carter
Reagan
GHBush
Clinton
GWBush
Obama

16. Judicial Powers
President may “...grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States, except in cases of impeachment.” —Article II, Section 2, Clause 1
Reprieve: postponement of the execution of a sentence.
Pardon: legal forgiveness for a crime.
These powers of clemency (mercy or leniency) may be used only in cases of federal crimes.

17. The President’s Cabinet
Cabinet (or Executive) Departments, are the traditional units of federal administration.
Each department is headed by a Secretary, except for the Department of Justice, which is headed by the Attorney General.
The Cabinet is an informal advisory body brought together by the President to serve his needs.
Cabinet members serve as both head of their respective departments and as advisors to the President.
The President appoints the head of each of the executive departments, which are then subject to Senate approval.

18. Pen Pal
Suppose you have been asked by a pen pal from another country to explain how the electoral college works. Consider:
Ways the popular vote affects the electoral vote
How the president is elected based on the electoral vote
Flaws in the system
25 pts

19. Form into pairs!
(1) Read about two Executive Depts. (Handouts and/or on p )
(2) Write a brief summary to present to class.
(3) During presentations fill in the Cabinet Table.
(4) Compete for fabulous cash and prizes!
(Okay, no cash or prizes but it is worth points.)