Presidential Powers Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What term refers to the president as commander of the nation's armed forces?

Commander in Chief

Which of the following are diplomatic powers of the president? (Select all that apply)

Appoint ambassadors (correct)

Negotiate treaties (correct)

Veto bills passed by Congress

Meet foreign leaders (correct)

What can the president do with a bill passed by Congress?

Veto

What power does the president have under the Appointments Clause?

Power to appoint federal officials Signup and view all the answers

What does the pardon power allow the president to do?

Grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States Signup and view all the answers

What is an executive agreement?

An international agreement made by the president without senatorial ratification Signup and view all the answers

What role does the president have in setting the legislative agenda?

Initiator Signup and view all the answers

What is an executive order?

A rule or regulation issued by the president that has the effect of law Signup and view all the answers

What is executive privilege?

The right of executive officials to refuse to appear before, or to withhold information from, a legislative committee or the courts Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are formal powers of the president? (Select all that apply)

Pardoning power Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are informal powers of the president? (Select all that apply)

Executive orders Signup and view all the answers

What are the emergency powers of the president?

Powers exercised only in times of great need Signup and view all the answers

What is the president's war power?

Control over troops as Commander in Chief Signup and view all the answers

How did the War Powers Resolution attempt to resolve conflicts between the president and Congress regarding war powers?

The president must notify Congress 48 hours before sending troops and meet within 60 days to discuss funding Signup and view all the answers

How have presidents used their emergency war powers in the past?

During national crises Signup and view all the answers

How does the reprieve/pardon power fit into the system of checks and balances?

It allows the president to pardon federal crimes except those related to impeachment Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Formal and Informal Powers of the President

Commander in Chief: Title designating the president as the leader of the armed forces.
Diplomatic Powers: Responsibilities include appointing ambassadors, negotiating treaties, meeting with foreign leaders, granting diplomatic recognition, and receiving foreign dignitaries.
Legislative Powers: The president can veto Congressional bills; overriding requires a two-thirds majority in both houses.
Judicial Powers: The Appointments Clause empowers the president to appoint federal officials, judges, and ambassadors, needing Senate confirmation.
Pardon Powers: The president can grant reprieves and pardons for federal offenses, except during impeachment cases.
Executive Agreements: International agreements made by the president without Senate ratification, typically involving heads of foreign states.
Setting Legislative Agenda: The president can initiate laws and influence Congress but cannot directly start legislation.
Executive Orders: Rules issued by the president that have the force of law, used to enforce statutes, treaties, or administrative practices. Must be recorded in the Federal Register.
Executive Privilege: Allows executive officials to refuse to provide information to legislative committees or courts.
Formal Powers: Includes veto, command of armed forces, pardon powers, appointment powers, treaty-making authority, and the ability to convene Congress.
Informal Powers: Encompasses public persuasion, making executive agreements, signing statements, levying executive orders, utilizing bureaucracy, and impacting legislation through personal leadership.
Emergency Powers: Inherent powers exercised during crises, such as declaring federal disaster areas, or historically suspended civil liberties to manage national emergencies.

Conflict of War Powers

President’s War Powers: As Commander in Chief, the president commands troops and engages in military action (e.g., killing Osama Bin Laden). However, these powers are often implied rather than explicitly stated.
Congress's War Powers: Congress holds the authority to declare war, allocate funds for military actions, and approve military leaders. Conflicts can arise between the president's military actions and Congressional authority.
War Powers Resolution: Enacted post-Vietnam to limit presidential control over military operations; requires the president to notify Congress 48 hours prior to troop deployment and seek funding after 60 days.

Historical Use of Emergency Powers

Presidents have historically utilized emergency war powers during national crises, such as President Bush's military response after the 9/11 attacks.

Reprieve/Pardon Power and Checks and Balances

The president’s ability to grant pardons for federal crimes reinforces the system of checks and balances, though Congress and courts cannot overturn these decisions (with the exception of impeachment).

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Description

Explore the formal and informal powers of the U.S. president through this set of flashcards. Learn key terms such as Commander in Chief and Diplomatic Powers, along with their definitions and implications. Perfect for understanding the role of the president in shaping national and foreign policies.