Presidential Powers

Question 1

What are the Commander in Chief powers of the President?

Answer 1

Golf of Tonkin Resolution - While troops are in conflict, president can take any action to protect troops short of declaring war.

War Powers Act: President Can Not send troops unless certain criteria are met

Question 2

Who declares war? If not the president, how can he?

Answer 2

Congress Declares War 
OR
-A law authorizes action
-National Emergency:
     Notify congress within 48 hours
     Can not keep troops abroad for more than 60 days without congressional approval.

Question 3

What are the Executive Powers of the President?

Answer 3

• Enforces Laws
• Executive Agreement (Does not require Senate Approval)
• Treaty: Requires senate approval
• Powers of Appointment: Appoints federal officials
• Powers of Removal: can removal federal officials (not judges or justices)
• Executive Privilege: Right to with hold information from congress and the courts.

Question 4

What are the Legislative Powers of the President?

Answer 4

• Recommend Legislation: 3 Formal Messages
• Approve Legislation (sign bills into law)
• Veto Power
• The Pocket Veto: sit on a bill for 10 days
• To call the Special Sessions of Congress: Spending Bills

Question 5

What are the 3 formal messages between the president and legislation?

Answer 5

• State of Union Address
• Economic Report
• Budget Message

Question 6

What are the Judicial powers of the president?

Answer 6

• Appoint Judges & Justices to the Supreme Court
• Reprieves: Delay Carrying out of Punishments
• Pardons: Release from punishment
• Amnesty: Blanket pardon given to groups of people (does not work during impeachment)