Formal Sources of Presidential Power Flashcards
What are the powers of the Head of State? What are examples of these in use? - Formal Sources of Presidential Power
The Head of State of the US has a ceremonial position rather than a political position, acting as the US’s chief public representative who performs ceremonial functions on behalf of the country. This can be seen through Bush’s role in the period of national mourning following 9/11 and Trump’s role in overseeing the COVID response.
What are the formal powers of the President as the head of government? - Formal Sources of Presidential Power
The President acts as the chief executive of the US government, carrying out enumerated powers set out in the constitution and the resulting implied powers from these.
Describe and explain the use of Executive Powers by the President? - Formal Sources of Presidential Power
The President acts as the Chief Executive of the US government, granted all Executive power by the constitution. They coordinate the delegation of executive powers across government through the EXOP, as well as submit a budget to Congress to control government funding.
What specific example are there of the President’s executive powers being obstructed by Congress? - Formal Sources of Presidential Power
Congress refused to approve a budget in 2018, leading to the 35 day government shutdown in 2018-19. They also obstruct the legislation that the federal government wishes to pass, creating gridlock.
Describe the legislative powers of the President (3) - Formal Sources of Presidential Power
Proposing: president can outline legislative priorities through the State of the Union and at other times.
Signing: signing legislation into law with ceremony/automatically after 10 days.
Vetoing: president may reject a bill or refuse to sign it at the end of a congressional session.
What instances are there of a President proposing legislation? - Formal Sources of Presidential Power
Biden used State of the Union to promote ‘Build Back Better’ agenda. Trump has used it to commit to bolstering the nuclear arsenal and cracking down on illegal immigration. Obama used 2010 speech to encourage Obamacare.
What examples are there of Presidents signing legislation? What examples are there of Presidents vetoing legislation? - Formal Sources of Presidential Power
Obama signed into law the Affordable Care Act in 2010, Bush signed into law the Patriot Act.
Obama used 12 vetoes during his presidency, while 1500 have been used by all Presidents. George H. W. Bush used 15 pocket vetoes.
Explain the formal appointment powers of the President. Give examples of these in practice - Formal Sources of Presidential Power
The President nominates officials to senior federal judicial positions, to the Executive branch of government, agency heads and ambassadors, all of which must be approved by a Senate majority.
Trump appointed Kavanaugh and Coney-Barrett to the judiciary, Biden made Blinken Secretary of State.
Describe the formal military powers of the President - Formal Sources of Presidential Power
Presidents serve as commander-in-chief of the armed forces, with them able to commit troops as and when they wish, subject to retrospective congressional approval. The President also has access to nuclear codes should they be needed.
What examples are there of Presidents making use of formal military powers? - Formal Sources of Presidential Power
Truman oversaw war in France and North Korea, Johnson oversaw Vietnam, Bush oversaw Iraq and War on Terror, Obama involved in Middle East, Biden withdrew troops from Afghanistan.
What formal foreign negotiation powers are available to the President? What examples are there of these in use (and of rejected treaties)? - Formal Sources of Presidential Power
The President has the power to negotiate treaties, subject to a 2/3 majority approval in the Senate. This has included the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty agreed by Reagan and the Chemical Weapons Ban under Bush. The Treaty of Versailles was rejected, as was the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty under Clinton.
Describe the formal powers of pardon available to the President. Give examples of their use - Formal Sources of Presidential Power
The President can pardon any individual of a federal offence. Obama pardoned 142 in his full month, Clinton pardoned 140 on his final day, Ford pardoned Nixon of any crimes committed.
What are the 3 powers of the Vice President as set out in the Constitution? - Formal Sources of Presidential Power
The VP can take over as President if necessary, acts as the presiding officer of the Senate and casts deciding votes if the chamber is tied, presides over the counting of electoral college votes.
