Powers of the President (and checks on those powers): What, exactly, are the pow

Question

Powers of the President (and checks on those powers):

What, exactly, are the powers of the president, including the veto power? Other than the War Powers Resolution, which is addressed in another discussion topic in depth, discuss how the powers of the president may be "checked". Checked by what or who, or under what circumstances? On the specific issue of the veto powers, how easy or difficult is it for Congress to overcome a veto? Is it any easier for the most recently elected Congress? Why or why not? Describe and discuss (thinking critically) the limitations or restraints. Discuss in some depth. CITE EVERYTHING AS YOU GO

Explanation / Answer

Power of Appointment:- The President has power to make all important appointments but all such appointments are to be approved by the Senate. As a matter of usage, the, Senate does not interfere in the appointments of the Secretaries, Ambassadors, and other diplomats. But the appointments of Judges of the Supreme Court must be scrutinized thoroughly by the Senate In the appointments of federal officers in various states of the U.S.A. the convention called “Senatorial Courtesy" has come into existence. The constitution of the USA says that the federal appointments arc to be made by the President and approved by the Senate.

Dictator in Foreign Relations:- The President has control of foreign relations, which he conducts with the assistance of the Secretary of State. He appoints all Ambassadors and other Diplomats. He negotiates treaties with foreign powers. But such treaties must be ratified by a 2/3rd majority of the Senate.

Powers of Defence:-He is the Commander-in-Chief of the US-armed forces as such he is responsible for the defence of his country. He appoints military-officers with the consent of the Senate and can remove them at will. He can send American forces to any part of the world.

Legislative Powers:- The constitution of the USA is based upon the theory of the Separation of Powers. The executive and the legislative branches of the government are made independent of each other.

Veto Power:- He can influence Congress by the use of his "Veto". All Bills passed by Congress are presented to the President for assent. The President may refuse to sign a Bill and send it back to the House in which it originated within 10 days of the receipt of the Bill. Congress can override a veto by passing the Bill again: The only condition is that the Bill must be passed by a 2/31-d majority in each House. So the veto of the President is only suspensive one. But sometimes it becomes difficult to secure a 2/3"d majority in each House. In that case the suspensive veto becomes an absolute one. If a Bill is sent to the President and he neither signs the Bill nor returns it to Congress, the Bill becomes a law within 10 clays even without his signature. The only condition is that Congress must be in session. If Congress adjourns in the meantime, the Bill is automatically killed. This is called Pocket Veto. This means that the President can simply ignore the Bill ("put it in his pocket”) if it is passed by Congress on a date less than 10 days before it adjourn. Many Bills passed towards the close of the session of the Congress are killed in this way.

Financial Powers:-In theory, it is Congress, .which controls the public purse. In practice, the budget is prepared under the guidance and supervision of the President. Of course, Congress is at liberty to change the badge proposals, but generally it seldom does it.

Judicial Powers:-The President has the power to grant pardon and reprieve to all offenders against federal laws, except those who have been impeached or those who have offended against the State (country). He also appoints the Judges of Supreme Court, no doubt on the consent of Senate.

The president’s relationship with Congress is vital to American politics. Federalism and the Constitution cry out for both the president and Congress to work constructively together for the benefit of America.

Congress also has to confirm and support the president’s nominees for the Supreme Court and his Executive office. The president is deemed to have a positive relationship with Congress when it passes his bills and supports his appointments even if Congress is dominated by the opposing party in American politics. Despite his historical fame, the amount of legislation passed through the presidency of Kennedy was minimal as his proposals languished in committees where they were left to wither.

No president can avoid political engagements with Congress (unless he has no legislative initiatives which is barely likely!). In recent years the most important bills have been ratified by Congress after much back room debate.

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