Power of the President

U.S. President is the Most Powerful Elected Position in the World

When we see the president on TV or in the newspaper, it is often coverage of the ceremonial duties in welcoming foreign dignitaries, awarding medals or presiding at state dinners. While our attention is focused on these colorful activities it is easy to overlook the enormous powers we grant to the chief executive when we cast our votes. The president of the United States is the most powerful elected executive position in the world. A president’s ideas will be incorporated into policies and acts that will affect the life of every citizen. What are some of the powers exercised by the president? In addition to his responsibility for upholding the Constitution and enforcing the laws of the land, he has extensive powers in the following areas:

Foreign Policy

The president formulates foreign and military policy that determines issues of war and peace. As commander-in-chief of the armed forces and chief executive of the nation, the president has extensive powerto act independently of Congress. Without consulting Congress, President Harry S. Truman ordered the atomic bombing of Japan; President John F. Kennedy approved the Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba; President Ronald Reagan sent troops to Lebanon, invaded Grenada, stationed troops in Central America and adopted the “reflagging” policy in the Persian Gulf. While Congress gave Bush the authority to use force in Iraq, he determined the level and intensity. Once the military is engaged, it is nearly impossible for Congress to stop a conflict without appearing to be unpatriotic.

Legislation

The president sets the legislative agenda for Congress and a budget for the nation.

The president may:

• personally lobby for or against bills.
• veto bills that he opposes (vetoes are seldom overturned).
• impound funds already appropriated by Congress against his wishes. Presidents Gerald Ford and Richard Nixon impounded billions of dollars.

President Bush also greatly expanded the use of “signing statements,” messages attached to the bills he signed into law which state modifications or interpretations of his version of the final bill. While past presidents have issued signing statements to comment on legislation, Bush’s statements actually eliminate or nullify portions of legislation he found objectionable. The American Bar Association has stated that this type of signing statement is “contrary to the rule of law and our constitutional separation of powers” (see http://www.fff.org/comment/com0610c. asp).

Appointments

A new president appoints between 3,000 and 4,000 people to high-ranking posts in government agencies. He nominates Cabinet secretaries and agency heads who agree with his philosophy of government to offices such as: secretary of labor, OSHA, National Labor Relations Board, Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Trade Commission, federal judges and Supreme Court Justices. The nominations are subject to confirmation by the Senate, except that a president may make a recess appointment while Congress is not in session.

Shaping Public Opinion

Presidents mold public opinion in support of their ideas, programs and policies through television appearances, press conferences, and speeches to the nation and to joint sessions of Congress. While this isn’t necessarily a constitutional power, the ability to attract attention and generate publicity is an extraordinary power unique to the modern presidency. No other person in America can command the attention and project his or her views, desires, and opinions like the president.