3.1 Formal sources of presidential power

Question 1

Role as head of state

Answer 1

-Chief public representative of a country
-Diplomatic and ceremonial duties
-Doesn’t give him any formal powers but does allow him to exert a huge amount of authority

Question 2

Examples of president fulfilling a symbolic role

Answer 2

-Bush after 9/11
-Obama after 2012 Sandy hook shooting

Question 3

Role as the head of state (4)

Answer 3

–granting pardons
-attending global summits (e.g the G7)
-being ‘consoler-in-chief’ in times of crises
-receiving and nominating ambassadors

Question 4

What is the head of government

Answer 4

Commands the executive branch and domestic policies

Question 5

Roles as head of government (3)

Answer 5

-signing, vetoing and executing legislation
-appointing his cabinet
-delivering the State of the Union address to Congress

Question 6

How does the State of Union address make the president a political figure

Answer 6

-The president outlines his legislative agenda for the coming year, acting as head of government

Question 7

Example of commander-in-chief powers being overstretched

Answer 7

Obama created controversy over extensive bombing in Libya without Congressional approval

Question 8

Presidential powers in the constitution (9)

Answer 8

-Signing/ vetoing legislation
-Appointing federal justices
-making treaties
-granting pardons
-giving the state of union address
-Commander-in-chief
-executing laws
-calling special sessions of congress
-receiving ambassodors