The Growth of Presidential Powers

Question 1

What are the formal positions of the president of the USA

Answer 1

• head of state
• head of government
• Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces

Question 2

What kind of powers does the president (thus the executive branch) have?

Answer 2

• granted and implied powers

Question 3

What are the 3 main things the president can do?

Answer 3

1. Command armed forces (which does not have to be in times of war)
2. Make treaties with foreign nations (can create an executive agreement on their term)
3. Approve or Veto acts of Congress

Question 4

Why has the presidents’ powers grown?

Answer 4

Due to the expansion of the overall country

• the president has been looked upon for answers as the lead executive power holder
• the need for immediate and decisive actions in times of crisis and war
• leads to more actions and need for certain powers/regulations to be implied

Question 5

What can the president do?

Answer 5

1. veto and sign bills
2. call out troops to protect our nation against an attack
3. make suggestions about things that should be new laws
4. grant pardons wherein convicted/confined citizens are given amnesty

Question 6

What the president cannot do?

Answer 6

1. Make laws without the approval of Congress; however, he can direct how regulations can be executed
2. Interpret laws as they see fit
3. Declare war – Congress is only branch that can declare war