Evaluate The View That The President’s Informal Powers Are More Significant Than Their Formal Powers. (30)

what are informal and formal powers?

The formal powers of the Presidency are those explicitly given to the President in the
Constitution.

The informal powers of the Presidency are those exercised by the President that go beyond those outlined in the Constitution.

AGREE 1 (INFORMAL)

President can make executive orders which don’t require congressional approval.

Trump (1^st term) 220 executive orders.

In response to 9/11 attacks. GWB issued executive orders to implement security measures including actions that helped the creation of the Department of Homeland Security.

DISAGREE 1.1 (FORMAL)

President can formally recommend legislation in the annual state of union address. This allows the President to shape the legislative agenda.

Obama used his 2010 State of the Union Address to focus on passing the Affordable Care Act, which was passed a few months later

DISAGREE 1.2 (FORMAL)

Formal power to veto bills

Obama vetoed 12 bills during his presidency

Trump 10 (1^st term) – 2020 vetoed Iran war powers resolution which would have limited the president’s authority to use military force against Iran without congressional approval.

AGREE 2 (INFORMAL)

President can dominate foreign policy by using executive agreements.

Obama exec agreement with Cuba to restore their relationship, including reopening embassies, allowing more travel and easing trade restrictions was Done without senate approval.

Obamas Paris Climate Agreement which Committed the US to reducing greenhouse gas emissions was initiated through an executive agreement without senate approval

DISAGREE 2 (FORMAL)

The constitution gives the president the power of being commander in chief (CiC) for the Army and the Navy of the US. President can deploy troops and respond to threats without congressional approval.

Trumps assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. Power of CiC allowed him to make decision quickly without congressional approval.

AGREE 3 (INFORMAL)

 

Cabinet – advisory group set up by president to aid in making decisions and coordinating the work of federal government

Tim Geithner (Obama) – banking expert appointed as treasury secretary - helped guide economic policy during the financial crash in 2008.

DISAGREE 3 (FORMAL)
Significant judicial powers under the constitution allowing them to influence the application of laws. President can nominate Supreme Court Judges

Trump nominated 3:

Neil Gorsuch

Brett Kavanugh

Amy Coney Barret

Shifted court to a 6-3 conservative majority