Heimler's History: Roles and Powers of the U.S. President

Introduction

• Focus: Roles and powers of the President of the United States (POTUS)
• Goal: Explain how the president can implement a policy agenda

Policy Agenda

• Informal contract between candidate and voters
• Policies the president aims to implement
• Constitution: President cannot pass laws; this is Congress' job

How the President Implements a Policy Agenda

• Formal Powers

  • Provided in Article 2 of the Constitution
  • Veto Power
    • "Veto" means "I forbid"
    • President can veto bills; Congress can override with a 2/3 vote
    • Pocket Veto: If Congress adjourns before 10 days, and the President doesn’t sign, it’s effectively vetoed
  • Commander-in-Chief
    • Leader of Armed Forces
    • Congress declares war
    • Example: Biden ending the war in Afghanistan

• Informal Powers

  • Not mentioned in the Constitution but arise from the nature of executive power
  • Bargaining and Persuasion
    • President can influence public opinion and pressure Congress
    • Approval ratings affect bargaining power
    • Example: Lyndon Johnson vs. Bill Clinton
  • Executive Orders
    • Directive that has the force of federal law but is not actually a law
    • Example: Trump’s border wall funding, Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation
  • Signing Statements
    • President’s interpretation of a law
    • Example: Franklin Roosevelt during WWII
  • Executive Agreements
    • Agreements with other heads of state, not requiring Senate approval
    • Example: Obama’s Paris Accord on climate change

Conclusion

• Executive agreements are politically binding, not legally binding
• Encouragement to use review packets for exams

Additional Resources

• Links to review packets and other videos in Unit 2
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