Executive and Legislative Branch Powers

Executive Branch Informal Powers: Agenda Setting

• The President can veto legislation passed by Congress.

• The President proposes a policy agenda and budget to influence legislation.

• The President has the power to appoint Supreme Court justices without Senate approval.

• The President can declare war without Congressional consent.

Reserved State Power: Establish and oversee schools

• Oversee education systems and establish schools.

• Regulate private institutions and set tuition fees.

• Implement national curriculum standards.

• Provide funding for higher education only.

Issue networks

• A group of individuals working independently to influence policy outcomes.

• Interacting with a broader network of stakeholders (interest groups, think tanks, media, Congress members) to influence policy outcomes.

• A formal organization that creates laws and regulations.

• A network of government officials only focused on internal policies.

Longevity/continuity in bureaucracy

• Career officials often serve across administrations, providing stability and resisting drastic changes in policy implementation.

• Bureaucratic positions are filled only by elected officials, ensuring constant change in policy.

• Career officials are replaced with new appointees after each election, leading to instability.

• Bureaucracy is characterized by frequent turnover and lack of experienced personnel.

Executive Branch Informal Powers: Executive Orders

• The President can issue directives to manage the federal government through executive orders.

• The President has the power to create laws without Congress approval.

• The President can appoint judges without any restrictions.

• The President can declare war without Congressional consent.

Judicial Branch Formal Power: Original jurisdiction in cases involving states or ambassadors

• Outlined in Article II of the Constitution - Only SCOTUS has the authority to try cases involving states or ambassadors

• Outlined in Article III of the Constitution - Only SCOTUS has the authority to try cases involving states or ambassadors

• Outlined in Article IV of the Constitution - Only the lower courts have the authority to try cases involving states or ambassadors

• Outlined in Article III of the Constitution - Both SCOTUS and lower courts have the authority to try cases involving states or ambassadors

Judicial Informal Power: Judicial review

• Authority to declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional, established by Marbury v. Madison

• The power to create laws without legislative approval

• The ability to enforce laws through executive orders

• The right to interpret laws in a way that favors the government

Reserved State Power: Regulate intrastate commerce

• Economic activity regulation within a state's borders.

• Regulation of international trade agreements.

• Oversight of federal taxation policies.

• Management of interstate transportation systems.

Executive Branch Formal Powers: State of the Union Address

• The President is constitutionally required to inform Congress through the State of the Union address.

• The President can veto legislation without informing Congress.

• The President must deliver a speech to the public every month.

• The President has the power to appoint Supreme Court justices without Senate approval.

Reserved State Powers: Ratify Amendments

• States must grant ½ approval via each state legislature or through a convention for Amendments to pass.

• States must grant ¾ approval via each state legislature or through a convention for Amendments to pass.

• States must grant 2/3 approval via each state legislature for Amendments to pass.

• States must grant unanimous approval via a convention for Amendments to pass.