Overview of The President in US Politics

Qualifications (as stated in the Constitution);

⇒ The president must be a natural-born US citizen

⇒ He/She must be at least 35 years old

⇒ And they must have been a US resident for at least 14 years

The Preisdent's Formal Powers

⇒ Veto powers - this means the president can stop legislation from becoming law.

⇒ Executive orders - an order having the force of law issued by the president of the U.S. to the army, navy, or other part of the executive branch

  • E.g. Trump's executive orders rolling back Obama-era climate controls. There are limits to his power e.g. bills requiring money still need to go through Congress

⇒ Nominations - president has the power to appoint people to certain positions

  • E.g. Trump nominated Gorsuch for the Supreme Court
  • Presidential nomination isn't a guarantee of getting a position, as there are still further checks on the nomination e.g. the Senate must confirm the appointment
  • President appoints heads of executive agencies e.g. Obama nominated James Comey

⇒ President is the commander-in-chief

⇒ Head of State and Head of Government

⇒ Makes treaties with other nations, which must be confirmed by the Senate

⇒ Make a 'State of the Union' address

⇒ Issuing full pardons

  • Ford pardoned Nixon
  • Obama pardoned 30 non-violent drug offenders who's been given life sentences

Informal resources

⇒ Staff in the executive branch - Trump has a record-breaking staff turnover

⇒ Party ties

⇒ Mass media

⇒ The 'bully pulpit' - that is, the president's position ensures they have an opportunity to speak out and be listened to

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