Magruder’s American
Government
C H A P T E R 14
The Presidency in Action
Copyright, 2000 © Prentice Hall
C H A P T E R 14
The Presidency in Action
SECTION 1
The Changing View of Presidential Power
SECTION 2
The President’s Executive Powers
SECTION 3
The Diplomatic and Military Powers
SECTION 4
The Legislative and Judicial Powers
SECTION 5
The Executive Office of the President and the Cabinet
Chapter 14
SECTION 1
The Changing View of Presidential Power
•
The powers of the President have grown since 1787.
•
The President has a great deal of stature and power.
•
•
As American economic and social life has become more complex,
people have increasingly looked to the President for leadership.
Historically, the actions of those Presidents who favored a stronger
presidential role have helped expand the powers of the office.
Chapter 14, Section 1
SECTION 2
The President’s Executive Powers
•
•
•
The President is responsible for executing federal laws whose
meanings can sometimes be vague.
Because enforcing some laws can be a matter of interpretation, the
President enjoys some special powers to help him execute and
enforce laws.
The President can issue executive orders which have the force of
law, and he can appoint subordinates or dismiss them as he
chooses.
Chapter 14, Section 2
SECTION 3
The Diplomatic and Military Powers
•
The President presides over relations with foreign countries; therefore,
he must have certain powers that only the President may perform:
(1) negotiate treaties
(2) recognize the existence of foreign countries
(3) appoint ambassadors and other diplomatic officers
•
Only Congress can declare war but the President, as commander in
chief, can carry out military action without the consent of Congress.
Chapter 14, Section 3
SECTION 4
The Legislative and Judicial Powers
•
•
•
As part of the system of checks and balances, the President holds several
legislative and judicial powers.
The President may recommend legislation and may veto bills passed by
Congress; Congress may override a veto but rarely does so.
In the judicial field, the President may offer a reprieve or a pardon, he may
commute a sentence, or he may offer amnesty.
Chapter 14, Section 4
SECTION 5
The Executive Office of the President and the Cabinet
•
•
•
•
As the President performs his responsibilities, he relies on the assistance
and guidance of key advisors and agencies.
The Executive Office of the President acts as the President’s “right arm”
and includes the White House Office.
A key member of this office is the Chief of Staff; other offices support the
President’s foreign policy efforts, the administration of the budget, and
numerous other endeavors.
The cabinet, though never mentioned in the Constitution, has evolved to
play two major roles:
• (1) Each cabinet member serves as head of an executive
department.
• (2) Collectively, the cabinet serves as an advisory body to the
President.
Chapter 14, Section 5