The President Flashcards
Powers of the president
Can Veto bills
Declare war
Sign foreign treaties
pardon
Propose/approve legislation
Set the tone of the administration
Head of state
Significance of Pardons
“The power of pardon is a beautiful thing” - trump
This gives the president the power to override the entire judicial system
Significance of Negotiating foreign treaties + example
This power is checked by Senate and needs a 2/3 majority.
Powerful power as it allows the president to initiate diplomatic relationships with nations.
1920- Senate rejected the treaty of Versailles
Role of Vice president
Acts as the presiding officer of the senate
In large of counting electoral college votes
Becomes president if circumstances lead to that
EXOP leadership
Chief of staff- In charge of EXOP
White House office- part of EXOP
Why was EXOP formed?
Mid 20th cent, president needed more help due to:
Consequences of the Cold War
Great Depression
Overload became a danger and EXOP was formed
how many offices in EXOP and which is most important
12 offices
White House office most important
White House office
30 offices in White House office, including office of cabinet affairs and legislative affairs
their role is to provide guidance and advice to the president on a daily basis
Arguments for presidential office being powerful
Military action
holds meetings with important congressmen
set annual budget (congress dont have to approve)
Can veto legislation
Power of persuasion
Arguments against president being powerful
Not being very involved in congressional legislation
If government is divided, makes things difficult
Examples of national events impacting presidential power (Clinton and Bush)
Clinton: Monica Lewinsky
Clinton had to rely on a partisan senate as a result and was a national embarrassment
Bush: 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina
He dealt with 9/11 well with a quick response and openness
Katrina was a slow response and ultimately damaged his approval
Examples of national events impacting presidential power (Obama)
Economic crisis and Hurricane Sandy
Economic crisis: he responded well but it took time and energy away from his policy agenda
Hurricane Sandy: Obama admin was praised for quick response
Imperial Presidency
An imperial president exceeds the limitations of their powers and behaves unconstitutionally
Imperilled Presidency
A president characterised by ineffectiveness and weakness, resulting from congressional overassertiveness
President curbing acts from Congress
The Case Act:
Forced the president to inform congress of all agreements with foreign states
The War Powers Act:
Attempt to limit the presidents use of military power unless war has been declared or “special statutory authorisation” has been given
