Presidential Powers

Executive Privilege

An implied presidential power that allows the president to refuse to disclose information regarding confidential conversations or national security to Congress or the judiciary.

Party Chief

The President is the head of their political party.

War Powers Act

A US law passed in 1973 which allows Congress to limit the President's use of military forces. It states that the President must tell Congress within 48 hours if he sends armed forces anywhere, and Congress must give approval for them to stay there for more than 90 days.

Executive Order

A directive, order, or regulation issued by the president, based on constitutional or statutory authority and have the force of law.

Statutory Power

A power created for the president through laws enacted by Congress.

Signing Statement

A written declaration that a president may make when signing a bill into law. Usually, such statements point out sections of the law that the president deems unconstitutional.

Inherent Power

Authority claimed by the president that is not clearly specified in the Constitution. Typically, these powers are inferred from the Constitution.

Expressed Power

Both Constitutional and statutory; reinforced by congress.

Chief Legislator

Constitution gives the president power to influence Congress in its lawmaking. Presidents may urge Congress to pass new laws or veto bills that they do not favor.

Executive Agreement

Non-treaty agreement between the U.S. president and other nations that does not require Senate ratification (but is not binding on future presidents). Since 1939, executive agreements have comprised more than 90% of the international agreements.

Chief Administrator

Term for the President as head of the administration of the Federal Government.

Chief Citizen

Term for the President as the representative of the people, working for the public interest.

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.

The Head of State

The idea that a specific face (i.e. The President's) represents a nation, these people are not always powerful (i.e. The British Royal Family.)

Chief of State

The president as ceremonial head of the United States The President as an example for All Americans.

Commander-in-chief

The president is in charge of the U.S. armed forces: the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines. The president decides where troops shall be stationed, where ships shall be sent, and how weapons shall be used. All military generals and admirals take their orders from the President.

Chief Diplomat

The role of the president in recognizing foreign governments, making treaties, and effecting executive agreements.