USA PRESIDENCY Flashcards
what are the formal sources of presidential power? (executive powers and legislation)
executive powers-
“executive power shall be vested in the presidents”- this means that the president is the chief executive, powers such as laws and appointments such as the Lakan Riley Act and appointments such as Pete Hegseth
submit to congress the annual budget- as of March 2025 a 6-month funding bill was passed for the senate, which narrowly avoided shutdown
“he may require the opinion in writing of the principal officer of each executive department”- the president has direct control over who he wishes to be in his cabinet, Secretary of State is seen to be key
legislation:
‘give state of the union’- 2025; he mentioned Ukraine, he also made predictions of a bumpy ride of tariffs
VETO legislation- Trump vetoed 8 in his first term, Biden vetoed 13 bills- though in 2021 one of his vetos was overturned for defence spending
sign legislation- Laken Riley Act
“ensure all laws are faithfully executed”- this is the power of the EO, 2025 Trump EO
what are the formal sources of presidential power? (appts, fp and other)
appointments
- Marco Rubio etc
Supreme Court
“recess of the senate”- bush and Bolton to the UN and made 171 appointments
Trump appointed acting heads of state, Lisa Kenna Secretary of State
ambassadors- Stefanik was chosen to be ambassador to the UN
Foreign policy
“commander in chief”- Biden pulling troops from Afghanistan
with the consent of the senate “to make treaties”JCPOA, Paris agreement
Other power- power to grant pardon- Biden and Trump, Biden did 8064 pardons
what constitutional restraints are placed on the president?
congress-
can override VETO
impeachment
approve appointments
congress has the power to declare war
senate has to confirm treaties
Supreme Court-
declare that the president has been UC
SC can go against their appointee (see Barret examples)
JR
what are the formal sources of presidential power? His role as head of state
The president has numerous formal roles which are to do with pomp and ceremony, host foreign digratries. formal events such as giving awards.
There is an aura that surround the president as people respect him/his office, this is enhanced with his lifestyle such as Air Force One- the president can use this to his advantage to advance his political agenda. For example in 1995 Clinton was able to defect blame to the opposition, Bush was also able to use his aura in 9/11, his standing as leader soared, Bush faced little opposition until the 2006 midterms
Though, this can backfire with Clintons affair which affected the appointment of Al Gore in 2000.
This can undermine the principle of checks and balances as he is given too many prerogative powers.
The role of head of state has increased importance in the TV age, the president can unite the country for example the farewell address of Biden.
