The constitutional framework (powers) of the US branches of government (Executive)

Question 1

Commander-in-Chief

Powers of POTUS

Answer 1

Directs the military and armed forces.

Example: President Obama authorised Operation Neptune Spear (2011) to kill Osama bin Laden.

Question 2

Treaty Power

Answer 2

Negotiates and signs treaties, subject to Senate approval.

E.g - President Obama signed the Paris Climate Agreement (2015); Trump left in in 2017 President Biden rejoined in 2021.

Question 3

Appointment Power

Answer 3

Appoints federal judges, ambassadors, and key officials.

Example: President Biden appointed Merrick Garland (2021) as Attorney General.

SCOTUS Nominee under Obama but blocked by GOP Controlled Senate

Question 4

Pardon Power

J6, Hunter Biden + silk road

Answer 4

Grants pardons and reprieves, except in cases of impeachment.

Example: President Ford pardoned Richard Nixon (1974) after the Watergate scandal.

Question 5

Veto Power

Answer 5

Rejects congressional legislation.

Example: President Trump vetoed the Defense Bill (2020) over social media policy concerns.

Question 6

Convene or Adjourn Congress

Truman 48 Civil rights and inflation

Answer 6

Calls Congress into session during emergencies.

Example: President Truman convened a special session of Congress in 1948 to address civil rights and inflation.

Question 6

State of the Union

Answer 6

Recommends policies and addresses Congress on the nation’s status.

Example: President Biden delivered the State of the Union (2023), outlining his administration’s goals.

Question 7

Faithful Execution of Laws

Answer 7

Ensures laws are implemented and followed.

Example: The DACA program (2012) was implemented by executive action under President Obama.

Deffered action childhood arrivals (Check may be revoked)

DACA recipients, otherwise known as Dreamers, are U.S. residents brought into the country illegally as children. Those granted protections under the program are supposed to be exempt from ICE detention and deportation, although these protections can be revoked by authorities.

Question 8

Commission Officers

Answer 8

Appoints military officers and federal judges.
Example: Presidents routinely issue commissions to military generals and federal judges

In just one term, Trump was able to appoint 33% of US supreme court justices and 30% of US appellate judges. They’ll serve for life

Question 9

Receive Ambassadors

Answer 9

Represents the U.S. in diplomatic relations.

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated businessman Warren Stephens to serve as America’s ambassador to the United Kingdom.
“Warren has always dreamed of serving the United States full time,” Trump said in a statement on Truth Social. “I am thrilled that he will now have that opportunity as the top diplomat, representing the USA to one of America’s most cherished and beloved allies.”
Stephens, who is CEO of private Arkansas-based investment bank Stephens Inc, donated millions to Trump’s re-election campaign this year.