The Executive Branch (President)

Question 1

Pardon Power

Answer 1

The president can pardon or commute punishment for any and all federal offenses. Governors have a similar power for state crimes. Cannot be limited by Congress.

Question 2

Veto Power

Answer 2

President has 10 days to veto legislation. President can veto for any reason/no reason but cannot veto specific provisions and accept others. It is all or nothing.

Question 3

Appointment & Removal Powers

Answer 3

Has the power to appoint all officers of the United states with the advice and consent of the senate.

Remove any executive appointee without cause and without Senate approval except in cases of federal judges.

Question 4

Treaties

Answer 4

Treaties are negotiated by the president but require approval by a 2/3 vote of the Senate. Once a treaty is ratified it has the same authority as a statute.

Question 5

Executive Agreements

Answer 5

Executive agreements are presidential negotiations not submitted for approval by the Senate. They can be authorized, precluded, or overriden by statute, but they take precedence over conflicting state laws. They do not have the binding status of a treaty.

Question 6

Presidential Immunity

Answer 6

The President has ABSOLUTE IMMUNITY from liability for official acts (broadly construed), but no immunity for acts prior to taking office.

There is an executive privilege to not reveal confidential communications with presidential advisers, but that privilege can be outweighed by a specifically demonstrated need in criminal prosecution.