Presidential Succession

presidential succession law of 1947

establish succession order (beyond VP)

25th amendment (ratified 1967)

can be invoked if POTUS is temporarily unable to perform duties

designated survivor

when our highest-ranking govt. officials gather for major events (ie state of the union), one cabinet member is kept in a secure, disclosed location

if a disaster were to happen, the designated survivor would immediately step into the role of the president

expressed powers

stated in the constitution

ex) serve as commander in chief of the armed forces, convene the congress, commission all officers of the U.S.

inumerated powers

interpretted and assumed by the president

"pres shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed”

statuary powers

powers that are explicitly granted to the president by congressional action

special powers: executive orders

a directive issued by the president. to federal agencies, lay in out of specific actions or policies

use them to clarify and implement how existing laws should be carried out

they have the force of laws, but they're not laws

special powers: executive privilege 1

president can claim executive privilege when they want to keep communication private

not absolute — courts have acknowledged that this exists, and have limited it when it obstructs justice

special powers: executive privilege 2

the right to withold information from congress, the courts, and/or the public if sharing it may jeopardize security or disrupt executive branch operations

emergency powers

powers that the president can exercise in times of crisis or national emergency (war, civil unrest, natural disasters)

allow the president to act quickly and decisively in situations when normal govt. processes might be too slow or ineffective

bully pulpit

refers to the unique platform that the president has to influence the public opinion and promote their agenda

public approval: honeymoon period

high levels of public support and positive media coverage

public is often more forgiving & optimistic about new administration (support will decr. though)

gives the opportunity to take bold actions

public approval: approval ratings

measure how much support the president has from the public (through polls)

can fluctuate significantly throughout a president's time in office

high ratings can give the president leverage w/ congress; low ratings can limit their ability to get things done

public approval: rally 'round the flag effect

tendency for the public to show increased support for the president during national crisis or war

when there's a threat to national security or a significant international event, the public often unites behind the president, temporarily boosting their approval ratings

the first lady

no formal job description or constitutional authority

hostess of the WH: organizes events & appearances

expected to focus on family and social functions, supporting her husband's public life and serving as a symbol of grace and civility

imperial presidency

suggests that the president exercises powers beyond what is outlined in the constitution or intended by the framers of the constitution

ie Arthur Schesinger (1973)