Formal and informal powers of the president

Commander in chief

Top leader of army and navy

Chief executive

Faithfully execute laws

Require opinion of the heads of executive department

Grants pardons for federal offenses ( except impeachment)

Nominates judges of the supreme court

Fills vacancies that may happen during recess of the senate

Foreign affairs

Appoint ambassadors, ministers and consults

Make treaties subject to senate confirmation

Receive ambassadors

Chief legislator

Give state of union address to congress

Recommend measures to congress

Convene both houses of congress

Informal powers

Powers not explicitly listed in constitution

Executive orders

Order issued by the president that carries the force of law

( don't ask dont tell for gays in military by Clinton)

Internment of Japanese Americans

Executive agreements

International agreements made by a president that has the force of a treat. Does not need senate approval.

Executive privilege

Claim by a president that he has the right to decide that the nations interest will better be served if certain information is withheld

Executive orders

Shall take care that all the laws are faithfully executed.