🏛️

Understanding U.S. Presidential Powers

Oct 17, 2024

Crash Course Government and Politics: The Powers of the U.S. President

Introduction

  • Presenter: Craig
  • Focus: Understanding the power and limitations of the U.S. President.
  • Current Context: Barack Obama is the current president.

The Constitution and the Presidency

  • Constitution provides a framework for governance.
  • Qualifications for Presidency:
    • Must be 35 years old.
    • Must be a natural-born citizen of the U.S.
  • Electoral System:
    • President is elected by the Electoral College.
    • The system was designed to prevent direct election by popular vote.

Categories of Presidential Powers

  • Military Powers: Commander in Chief of armed forces.
  • Judicial Powers: Appoints federal and Supreme Court judges (requires Senate approval).
  • Diplomatic Powers: Chief diplomat with the ability to make treaties and receive ambassadors.
  • Legislative Powers: Can propose laws but needs a congressman/senator to introduce them.
  • Executive Powers: Responsible for ensuring laws are carried out.

Types of Presidential Powers

  • Formal Powers:
    • Found mainly in Article 2 of the Constitution.
    • Known as express powers.
  • Informal Powers:
    • Emerge from Congressional delegation or presidential initiatives.

Detailed Look at Formal Powers

  • Commander in Chief:
    • First power in the Constitution.
    • Historically, several generals have become presidents.
  • Diplomatic Powers:
    • Can make treaties and appoint ambassadors.
    • Recognizes foreign states by receiving ambassadors.
  • State of the Union:
    • Constitution requires the president to inform Congress periodically.
    • Opportunity to set policy agendas.

Legislative and Judicial Formal Powers

  • Legislative Power:
    • Can veto laws passed by Congress.
    • Can convene Congress in special sessions.
  • Judicial Power:
    • Appoints judges with Senate consent.
    • Can grant pardons and reprieves.

Conclusion

  • Limited Formal Powers:
    • Framers intended for limited presidential power to prevent tyranny.
    • Powers have expanded over time beyond original intentions.

Production and Support

  • Produced in association with PBS Digital Studios.
  • Supported by Voqal, which advances social equity through technology and media.

Note: This session provides a foundational understanding of the president's constitutional powers and their evolution over time.

Full transcript