The Powers of the President and Congress' checks on them Flashcards
What are the 5 main bodies the President is in charge of?
- Head of state [acts as the figurehead of the nation]
- Chief Diplomat [Presidents are the top level for diplomacy between countries]
- Chief Legislator [Presidents will seek to implement their agenda via the election]
- Commander in chief [Presidents are the leader of the most powerful military ever]
- Chief executive [presidents must lead the federal Bureaucracy]
What are the powers of the President?
- Propose Legislation
- Submit the annual budget
- Sign legislation into law
- Veto legislation
- Act as chief executive to the federal bureaucracy
- Nomination chief
- Commander in Chief
- Negotiate foreign treaties
- Powers of pardon
Examples of Presidents proposing legislation
Obama proposed the affordable care act.
George bUsh with the no child left behind act.
Biden with the inflation reduction act.
What is the power to nominate?
The President is able to nominate people to the federal government. this can be federal bureaucracy positions all the way to Supreme Court Justices.
What is the Ebb and Flow power dynamic?
The president having the power in times of an emergency or a foreign policy issue such as a war. Whereas Congress has the power when it comes to domestic policy issues and in peace time congress will reassert itself over the executive branch.
What is an example of the President proposing Legislation?
Obama introducing Obamacare/medicare during his first term in charge. Which provided poorer citizens with healthcare.
What is an example of a President vetoing legislation?
Trump Vetoed a major defence bill in December 2020 despite strong senate backing.
How can Congress stop the annual budget?
By voting against it and causing a government shutdown. this then forces the President to make concessions to their budget in order for it to be passed through.
What does the constitution say about nominating people to positions to the executive branch?
The president is allowed to nominate people to executive branches however it must be during a recess in the senate.
How has congress recently been able to block presidential nominations?
They keep at least one person in during a senate recess.
A simply Senate majority to approve the nomination
Example of Congress blocking a Nomination?
Obama and the Noel Canning affair
Who did Joe Biden appoint as the secretary of the treasury?
Janet Yellen
How can Congress block the appointment of federal judges?
With a simple majority in the senate.
Who did Trump appoint to replace RDG in 2020 to the supreme court?
Amy Convey Barrett
Why is the appointment of Amy Convey Barrett seen as controversial?
Obama was blocked by the republicans from appointing a SCOTUS judge in 2016 due to it being an election year. Trump appointed Amy Convey Barrett in an election year just months before the presidential election.
