Presidents Enumerated Powers

Formal Powers

Official powers granted by constitution and acts of congress

Enumerated Powers

Powers explicitly listed in the Constitution

Chief Executive

President is the highest-ranking executive in the government

Commander-in-Chief

President has the power to command the armed forces

Deploy Military Abroad

President can send military forces to other countries without a declaration of war from Congress

Opinion of Cabinet

President may seek the advice of the cabinet, but is not required to do so

Power of Pardon

President can grant reprieves and pardons for federal crimes

Commutation of Sentences

President can shorten sentences for federal crimes

Civil Rights

Rights to vote, sit on a jury, and bear arms

Power to Make Treaties

President can negotiate and sign treaties, with the approval of two-thirds of the Senate

Kigali Amendment to Montreal Protocol

International agreement to reduce the production and consumption of substances that deplete the ozone layer

Nominate Judges and Officers

President can nominate judges, ambassadors, and other officers, with the advice and consent of the Senate

Recess Appointments

President can make temporary appointments when the Senate is not in session

Pro Forma Sessions

Short sessions held by the Senate to prevent recess appointments

State of the Union Address

Annual speech delivered by the President to Congress

Convene/Calls Houses

President can call Congress into session in rare events or crises

Faithfully Execute the Laws

President is responsible for implementing and enforcing laws passed by Congress

Commission Officers

President has the power to appoint officers of the United States

Veto

President can reject a bill passed by Congress

Pocket Veto

President can veto a bill by not signing it if Congress is in recess

Impeach Federal Officials

House of Representatives has the power to bring charges against federal officials

Power of the Purse

House of Representatives has the power to control government spending through taxation

Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act

Legislation allowing victims of terrorism to sue foreign governments

Override Veto

Congress can pass a bill into law even if the President has vetoed it