Presidential Powers

Legislative Leader

Only Congress can pass legislation. But the Constitution gives the President the power to sign acts of Congress into law or to veto (reject) any law. Congress can override the veto by a two-thirds majority vote of the House and Senate.

Morale Booster

People turn to the President for meaning, healing, assurance, and a sense of purpose

Line-item Veto

Presidential power to strike, or remove, specific items from a spending bill without vetoing the entire package; declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.

Commander in Chief

The Constitution makes the President the head of the nation's military forces.Only Congress can declare war, but recent President have sent troops into combat without a formal decision.

Director of Foreign Policy

The Constitution says that only the President can make treaties with other countries (although the Senate must approve them). The President, working with the Secretary of State, shapes policies for dealing with other countries.

Chief Executive

The President enforces U.S. laws, creates policies, hires and fires officials within the executive branch, and appoints Federal judges. The Senate must approve many appointments, including Cabinet secretaries and Supreme Court Justices.

Head of State

The President is a living symbol of the U.S. This job includes mostly ceremonial duties, such as welcoming foreign leaders, congratulating famous Americans, and promoting U.S. traditions.

Economic Guardian

The President is expected to keep the U.S. economy running smoothly. He plans the federal government's budget, which Congress modifies and sends to the President for approval. The President also appoints the head of the Federal Reserve, which controls the amount of money circulating in the U.S. economy.

Head of Political Party

The President is head of his political party. He uses his influence to back party candidates, raise money for campaigns, and appoint party officials.

Pocket Veto

A veto taking place when Congress adjourns within 10 days of submitting a bill to the president, who simply lets it die by neither signing nor vetoing it.

Veto Power

The formal, constitutional authority of the president to reject bills passed by both houses of Congress, thus preventing them from becoming law without further congressional action.

Appointment Power

The power of the President & Senate to appoint important government officers (federal judges, agency directors, etc.). President nominates candidate, which then must by confirmed by simple majority in the Senate (check on President's power). Subject to senatorial courtesy rule for local appointments (district judges)

Executive Privilege

The power to keep executive communications confidential, especially if they relate to national security.

Power of Persuasion

a president's ability to convince Congress, other political actors, and the public to cooperate with the administration's agenda