THE PRESIDENCY

Today We are Focusing on THE PRESIDENT (Executive Branch/National Level)

Military Powers The president is the

commander-in-chief (big boss) of the American military.

However, our Constitution says that only Congress has the power to declare war.

War Powers Act of 1973: President cannot send troops into action for more than 60 days without Congressional authorization or a declaration of war.

Appointment Power The president has a lot of responsibility. For

each thing he is responsible for, he has a primary advisor. There are 15 of these advisors total, as a group they are called the cabinet.

Each of these 15 advisors has the title of Secretary and is in charge of a particular Department. For example, Secretary Gates is in charge of the Department of Defense.

The head of the Department of Justice is special, he/she is called the Attorney General.

Each cabinet members is nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate.

Other Powers President can veto

(refuse to sign) legislation passed by Congress, but Congress can override his veto with a 2/3s vote in the House and Senate

President can pardon any criminal who has been convicted of a federal crime.

Summary:The President is the executive branch. He is the commander of the military, can appoint people to work for him (the cabinet), can veto laws, and pardon criminals.