Executive roles Flashcards
The powers of the President
Propose Legislation
President can propose legislation at any time by calling a press conference or making an announcement a public event. In 2013, Obama used his ‘State of Union’ address to promote policies on job creation, immigration, gun control, and minimum wage
Submit the annual budget
Has the power to propose the budget, but they don’t actually create the budget as that’s the job of the OMB (Office of management and budget). Trump’s budget in 2018 was vetoed as he called for $18billion to be spent on the wall over the coming 10 years. Trumps 2020 budget was called at $4.8 trillion even without COVID expenses
Sign Legislation
President needs to sign legislation for it to become law (Act of Congress). Obamacare and the Affordable Care Act in 2010
Veto legislation
President can pocket veto legislation by leaving it on their desk for 10 days. If it’s at the end of a session then the bill will need to be redebated. They can also outright veto legislation in which they send the bill back to congress. Trump used the veto 10 times, pocket veto in 2000 under Clinton was the last time it occured. Reagan veteod 78 times in his 8 year period
Act as Commander in Chief
Head of the US armed forces which allows the president to take military action. War Powers Act 1973 requires the president to ask congress to approve in advance. e.g Obama ordered military intervention in Libya and Trump ordered a drone strike on Qasem Soleiman in 2020
Nominate executive branch officials
Nominates officials in key posts in the executive branch. 4000 positions, more than 700 are confirmed by the Senate with a simple majority vote. Trump put forward Betsy DeVos which was controversial within cabinet
Nominate all federal judges
Nominates all federal judges including SC. Senate provides a check through a simple majority vote. Amy Coney-Barrett to the supreme court under Trump
