Heimler's History: The Roles and Powers of the President

Introduction

• Focus on the President’s role in implementing a policy agenda.
• Definition of a policy agenda: A set of policies outlined by a presidential candidate during their campaign.

Presidential Powers

Formal Powers

• Veto Power
  • The president can veto any bill, preventing it from becoming a law unless Congress overrides it with a 2/3 vote.
  • Presidents often threaten vetoes to influence legislation.
  • Pocket Veto: If Congress adjourns before the 10-day period ends and the president doesn’t sign the bill, it’s effectively vetoed.
• Commander-in-Chief
  • President as leader of the Armed Forces.
  • Example: Joe Biden withdrew troops from Afghanistan as part of his policy agenda.

Informal Powers

• Bargaining and Persuasion
  • Ability to influence Congress and the public.
  • Influence often tied to presidential approval ratings (e.g., Johnson vs. Clinton).
• Executive Orders
  • Directives from the president that carry the force of federal law.
  • Example: Trump's executive order to reroute funds for the US-Mexico border wall.
  • Historical example: Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.
• Signing Statements
  • Statements that accompany signing a bill into law, outlining the president’s interpretation and execution plan.
  • Example: FDR’s signing statement during WWII.
• Executive Agreements
  • Agreements between the president and other heads of state, not requiring Senate approval.
  • Example: Obama’s entry into the Paris Accord on climate change.

Conclusion

• Executive agreements are politically binding but not legally binding.
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