Chapter 7: The Presidency as an Institution

Expressed Powers

Specific powers granted to the President under Article II of the Constitution

Delegated Powers

Powers given to the President by Congress

Inherent Powers

powers that are not expressed in the Constitution but are inferred from “the rights, duties, and obligations of the Presidency”

Commander in Chief

president is the highest military authority

Judicial Power in the Presidency

President may grant:

• reprieves

• pardons

• commutations

• amnesties

Diplomatic Power in the Presidency

President is United States’ chief representative in dealings with other nations

Executive Agreements

contract between two countries (like treaties) but does not require approval by the states

Executive Privilege

the power of the U.S. president and other executive branch officials to keep certain communications secret from the legislative and judicial branches

Legislative Power in the Presidency

Veto Power, Pocket Veto

Pocket Veto

Congress is no longer in session by the end of the 10 days the president has to Veto the legislation

Wars Powers Revolution (1973)

President must notify Congress of any planned military action; without Congressional approval, troops must be withdrawn within 60 days

Legislative Initiative

President’s inherent power to bring a policy agenda before Congress

Executive Orders

rules or regulations issued by the President that have the force of law

Formal Resources of Presidential Power

1. The Cabinet

2. White House Staff

3. Executive Office of the President

4. Vice Presidency

5. The President and Policy

Cabinet

heads of the major departments of the federal government

White House Staff

analysts and advisors to the president

• key source of information and important management tool

Executive Office of the President (EOP)

permanent agencies that perform defined management tasks for the President

Vice President’s 2 purposes

1. Succeeds the President in case of Vacancy

2. Presides over the Senate

Vice Presidency

• used by Presidential candidates as an electoral resource

• can be granted more or less power by the President

Contemporary Bases of Presidential Power

1. Party

2. Popular Mobilization

3. The Administrative State

Party as a Source of Power

Presidents rely on party members for help; does not guarantee success

Going Public

Presidents seek to force members of Congress to support their policies by applying directly to and mobilizing power

The administrative state

• greater control over Bureaucracy

• expanded use of Executive Orders

Regulatory Review

the OMB’s function of reviewing agency regulations and rule making before they become official policy