Powers of the President Flashcards
What is the term limit for the President of the USA?
Point: The President is elected for a term of 4 years and can only serve two terms.
Explanation: This ensures no individual can remain in power indefinitely.
Example: This limit was introduced by Constitutional Amendment 22, after Franklin D. Roosevelt served four terms.
What are the personal requirements to become President of the USA?
Point: The President must meet specific criteria to hold office.
Explanation: Candidates must be at least 35 years old, a natural-born US citizen, and have lived in the USA for at least 14 years prior to election.
Example: Until Barack Obama in 2008, every US President had been both white and male.
What is the President’s role as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces?
Point: The President is the head of the US Armed Forces.
Explanation: This allows the President to deploy troops and make military decisions without requiring Congress’s immediate approval.
Example: In July 2023, President Joe Biden sent 3,000 troops to Poland due to concerns over the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
What power does the President have regarding appointments?
Point: The President appoints key officials to government positions.
Explanation: This allows the President to ensure government policies align with their vision by placing trusted individuals in critical roles.
Example: In 2022, Joe Biden appointed Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court, replacing Justice Stephen Breyer.
What are Executive Orders, and how does the President use them?
Point: The President can issue Executive Orders (EOs).
Explanation: EOs allow the President to create laws or policies without Congressional approval, though they can be overturned by the next President.
Example: President Obama issued over 154 EOs, including ending unlawful interrogation at Guantanamo Bay.
What is the State of the Union Address, and why is it important?
Point: The President delivers the State of the Union Address annually.
Explanation: This speech reviews the past year’s progress and outlines the President’s plans for legislation and spending.
Example: In his first State of the Union Address, Joe Biden announced plans to create 12 million jobs
What is the President’s power to veto?
Point: The President can veto bills passed by Congress.
Explanation: By refusing to sign a bill, the President can prevent it from becoming law unless Congress overrides the veto.
Example: Joe Biden has vetoed 10 bills during his presidency.
What is the President’s role in international relations?
Point: The President represents the USA in diplomacy and treaty negotiations.
Explanation: The President conducts diplomacy and negotiates treaties, which must be ratified by two-thirds of the Senate.
Example: Joe Biden has made 16 international trips to 23 countries as of 2023.
What is the President’s power to pardon?
Point: The President can pardon individuals for federal crimes.
Explanation: This power allows the President to extend mercy or forgiveness for federal offenses.
Example: Joe Biden has issued 11 pardons, while Donald Trump issued 237 during his presidency.
