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Powers of the President

Powers of the President. Introduction. Articles of Confederation didn’t work (no executive) Article II of Constitution gives President broad powers. Heads Executive Branch, is commander in chief, conducts foreign policy, has judicial powers.

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Powers of the President

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  1. Powers of the President

  2. Introduction • Articles of Confederation didn’t work (no executive) • Article II of Constitution gives President broad powers. • Heads Executive Branch, is commander in chief, conducts foreign policy, has judicial powers. • Presidents have added to their powers over time.

  3. Discussion Questions • Why do you think the founders gave the president broad but vaguely described powers? What problems could that cause? • Why have presidents wanted to add to their powers? Why is it sometimes necessary? • Does the President have too much power?

  4. 1. The President: Head of State, Party Leader, Chief Diplomat Head of State http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtHoRBIXvvs • Represents the nation at ceremonial functions. Kings, queens, dignitaries, etc. • A symbol of the United States • Most democratic countries have a king/queen to do this job. Prime minister is chief executive • “Bill Clinton Problem”

  5. Discussion Question • Should the President be seen as Head of State and Head of Government? • Should they be separated? • Should how the President acts in his personal life effect his job? • What is the role of public opinion?

  6. The President: Head of State, Party Leader, Chief Diplomat Party Leader “An inquiry by the center's investigative team (Center for Public Integrity) found that more than two years into Obama's administration, "nearly 200 of his biggest donors have landed plum government jobs and advisory posts, won federal contracts worth millions of dollars for their business interests or attended numerous elite White House meetings and social events.” -LA Times, 2011 • helps raise party funds and plan campaign strategies • Patronage- appoint Party leaders to government jobs • People want bipartisan leaders, but political parties want the President to push their ideas

  7. Discussion Question • Does the president’s job as party leader clash with other duties?

  8. The President: Head of State, Party Leader, Chief Diplomat Chief Diplomat • Directs foreign policy and oversees information agencies • Has power to make treaties: 2/3 Senate approval • Can make (without Congressional approval) executive agreements that have the force of treaties with other nations • Has the sole power to recognize foreign nations

  9. Discussion Question • Do you think executive agreements, like treaties, should have Senate approval?

  10. 2. The President: Chief Executive and Chief Legislator Chief Executive Activity: Type in “executive order white house.gov” into a search engine on your iPad. Look at examples of recently made executive orders on whitehouse.gov http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HA3jwOFjHhw http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmuUWI5xFN4 • Heads the 2+ million person executive branch • Executive orders: Presidential directives that have the force of law. (Constitutional?)

  11. The President: Chief Executive and Chief Legislator Chief Executive Part 2 Example of Pardons/Amnesty: -Gerald Ford granted amnesty to Vietnam War draft dodgers -Ronald Reagan pardoned NASCAR driver Junior Johnson for making moonshine -Bill Clinton pardoned his half-brother of his record of cocaine distribution. 1 of 140 issued one his last day of office • Presidential Appointments, removal of appointed officials • *Impoundment: refusal to let federal departments use money that Congress has given it • *Pardons: complete forgiveness for a crime • *Reprieves: postponement of a punishment • *Amnesty: pardon of a group of people.

  12. Discussion Questions • When would an executive order be necessary? • Should there be more regulation on executive orders? • What is your opinion on pardons, reprieves, and amnesty? Support your answer

  13. The President: Chief Executive and Chief Legislator Chief Legislator • Proposes legislation to Congress (usually in State of the Union Address) • Must work harder for Congressional support when congress is controlled by opposing party • May use political favors to gain congressional support • Has the threat of the veto to influence Congress

  14. 3. Commander in Chief http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yP8ApbiZ5l8 • Shares with Congress the power to wage war • Makes key military policy decisions (don’t have to have military background) • Supports war effort on the home front during wars • May use the armed forces to end disturbances or give aid in natural disasters

  15. Commander in Chief • Notable Presidents with little/no military experience: Franklin D. Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Bill Clinton.. • Abe Lincoln was in a militia during the Black Hawk War but saw no military action. Abe Lincoln called military glory "that attractive rainbow, that rises in showers of blood -- that serpent's eye, that charms to destroy…” in the House of Rep in 1848. He opposed the war against Mexico.

  16. Discussion Question • Based on the history of Presidents and war powers, do you think other more capable people should make military decisions? Support your answer. Think, Pair, and Share!

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