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Sources of presidential power - Coggle Diagram
Sources of presidential power
Informal sources
The electoral mandate
Most presidents achieve their most important goals in the first 2 years of office while their mandate is still fresh such as with Obama achieving his goals of the budget stimulus, healthcare reform and removing troops from Iraq
Executive Orders
Executive orders are an implied power of the president based on their role as the head of the executive branch. A president can create a legal order without a vote in congress, then use it to direct the executive branch in carrying out policies.
There is an issue with the use of executive orders as they can lead to a strong public or congressional outcry if the order is seen to be controversial. This can dramatically affect popularity for the president publicly and excessive use may undermine the president’s ability to make deals with congress
National Events
National events such as natural disasters, terrorist attacks and economic crisis can play a dramatic role in the powers of the president.
Obama was nearly unable to push his primary agenda of his flagship healthcare policy due to the economic crisis America was facing meaning he has to prioritize economic stimulus.
However such as with the 9/11 attacks and Bush, national events can also dramatically increase presidential powers both
Powers of Persuasion
They can make use of the Vice President. VPs often have had careers in Congress and therefore have a relationship/rapport with Congressmen.
The President could use EXOP to persuade congressmen to advance the
Presidential agenda on Capitol Hill.
The President may also seek to use Cabinet officers. They can be used to speak to
members of Congress regarding their policy areas.
The president may intervene personally to persuade Congressmen to cooperate
This can be done with perks such as personal phone calls,help with passing legislation in members’ state or district, or even a ride in Air Force One
the President may appeal to the public to try and build popular support for a measures.in an attempt to persuade Congress into action.
Such as with the passing of the Civil Rights Act 1964
Formal sources
Propose legislation
The president has the power to propose legislation to Congress through the annual State of Union Address. However, the President can propose legislation at any time, for example calling a press conference or making an announcement at a public event
Submit budget
The Office Management and Budget draws up the annual budget for the president. This is then taken by the president and submitted to Congress which is then followed by a lengthy bargaining process between the president and congress.
Sign legislation
The president has the power to sign or not sign legislation into law, it is likely to be done if they want to take credit for some part of the bill and ceremonies are usually held and attended by House and Senate members who had a part in the legislation
Veto legislation
The president has the ability to veto any legislation which is proposed, it can be used as an effective bargaining tool. Congress may attempt to override the veto however it is rarely successful.
Act as Chief Exec
The president has access to all executive powers, being in charge of the executive branch of the federal government
Nominate executive branch officials
The president has the power to nominate hundreds of officials to the executive branch of government. The most important being the 15 executive departments such as the treasury, state and agriculture
Nominate federal judges
The president must fill vacancies not only on the federal Supreme court but also on the federal trial and appeal courts. All judicial appointments are for like and therefore assume a special importance
Act as commander-in-chief
This puts the president as the head of the military which is an extremely significant role, being put into use on a number of occasions. Congress checks on this area are questionable and lead to such cases as the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution in 1964
Negotiate treaties
It is key that the president organises treaties as the president serves as a peacemaking role. The president’s power is checked by the senate which must ratify treaties by a two- thirds majority. During the twentieth century, the Senate rejected seven treaties
Pardon
The president has the power to formally pardon anyone they choose, such as with President Ford pardoning his predecessor Richard Nixon over all watergate related matters. President Clinton caused an issue when on his final day in office he pardoned 140 people. Obama pardoned a total of 212 people by the end of his time in office
Head of State
The president must also act as a comforter in times of crisis such as with Bush after 9/11