1. Diplomatic Powers
The power to make treaties- a formal agreement between two or more sovereign states.
Senate must give 2/3 vote approval to make it effective.
Senate does not “ratify” treaties- only “Advice and Consent”.
Treaties have the same legal standing as an act passed by Congress.
Treaties can not conflict w/ Constitution.

2. Diplomatic Powers
Executive Agreement: pact between the President and the head of a foreign state.
Most agreements come from legislation (laws) or other treaties.
No Congressional action needed.
Power of Recognition- when the President receives the diplomatic representative of another sovereign state.
Acknowledge legal existence of that country and its government.

3. Military Powers
Commander in Chief- commander of the nation’s armed forces.
President sets military policy and has almost unlimited power.
Most authority is given to military subordinates.
Some military use has led to undeclared wars.
8 times since WWII the President has used military force.
War Powers Resolution restricts the power of the President.

4. Legislative Powers President is nation’s chief legislator.
Recommending legislation- advise and recommend Congress on certain measures.
Veto Power- rejecting a law, sending it back to Congress.
Pocket veto is used with some frequency.
Line Item Veto- strike out certain parts (line items) of a bill.
Clinton v. New York, 1998 declared line item veto unconstitutional.

5. Judicial Powers
Reprieve- the postponement of the execution of a sentence.
Pardon- legal forgiveness of a crime.
Commutation- reduce the length of a sentence or fine by a court.
Amnesty- blanket pardon offered to a group of violators.
These are powers of clemency- mercy or leniency.
Only cases involving federal offenses.