Growth of Presidential Power

Chapter 10: The Presidency in Action

Growth of Presidential Power

● the unity of the presidency

● strong presidents

● people have demanded a larger role of the

federal government

● ability to act decisively in times of crisis

● unique ability to attract public attention

mass media

4. Grant reprieves—postponement of the
execution of a sentence

5. Grant pardons—legal forgiveness of a crime

6. Power of commutation—reduce the length of a sentence

7. Amnesty—a blanket pardon for a group of law violators

Legislative and Judicial Powers

1. recommending Legislation

2. Veto power

3. Call Congress into special session

The President’s Executive Powers

1. Executes the Law

2. Ordinance Power

● Executive orders—force of law

Diplomatic and Military Powers

1. Treaties (2/3 Senate approval)

2. Executive Agreements (no Senate approval)

3. Recognition of foreign governments

4. Commander in Chief (power shared w/ Congress)

● Limited by War Powers Resolution (1973)
● “Finger on the button”

3. Appointment Power (with Senate confirmation)

● Ambassadors, diplomats
● Cabinet members & their top aides
● Heads of independent agencies (EPA,

NASA)

● Federal judges, US marshals, US attorneys
● Officers in the armed forces

4. Removal Power