1. THE GROWTH OF PRESIDENTIAL POWER

2.  The Framers established the presidency as the head of the executive branch ◦ Therefore, the powers under the executive branch are under the President  Military, state, foreign policy, etc.

3.  The Framers gave almost no authority to the President directly ◦ Checks and balances, approval of Congress, etc. ◦ GW was constantly afraid to overstep his bounds and become like King George of England

4.  The Constitution’s description has not changed ◦ It has changed for other reasons ◦ More complex issues ◦ Increased responsibility in world situations ◦ Impact of mass media  Criticism of the public

5.  President’s have also seen their role as president differently than their predecessors ◦ GW did not want any power  He warned of it in his last speech ◦ Now, they see themselves as policymakers, aid for the world, etc.

6.  People who believe the presidency may be too strong often call it the imperial presidency ◦ The term calls the President an emperor ◦ People worry that people would lose their rights/voice in the country

7.  Executing the Law ◦ To uphold the law (found in the oath of office)  Ordinance Power ◦ The power to issue executive orders that have the same effect as law ◦ Example: FDR and prices during G.D.

8.  The Appointment Power ◦ Appoints a handful of advisors  Ambassadors/Diplomat  Cabinet members  Heads of agencies (FBI)  Federal Judges  Officers in armed forces

9.  Removal Powers ◦ The Constitution does not say how an appointed position can be dismissed ◦ Challenged in Supreme Court but upheld by Court, including Chief Justice William Howard Taft  Woodrow Wilson fired Oregon postmaster