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Formal Powers of Presidency
- Enforce Laws
- Handle foreign policy
- Can force Congress into session
- Brief Congress on "state of the union"
- Veto legislation
- Grant repreives and pardons
- Appoint cabinet, justices, ambassadors, all with approval of Senate
- Negotiate treaties, with 2/3 ratification from Senate
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Commander in Chief
- Only Congress can declare war, but only president can carry out war.
- President is at mercy of Congress for the money to wage war, but Congress would look bad if it refused.
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Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
- Gave LBJ broad powers to commit unlimited numbers of troops for an unlimited length of time in Vietnam.
- Given by Congress in a state of panic.
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War Powers Act
Limits the president to 10,000 troops for 60 days, with 30 additional days to withdraw the troops, unless Congress grants an extension or declares war.
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Informal Powers of President
- Persuade policy.
- Communicate with Congress and the American people.
- Lead legislation and agendas.
- Build coalitions.
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Chief of Staff
- Top aide to the president.
- Responsible for managing the Executive Office and can control access to the president.
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The National Security Council
- Headed by the National Security Advisor, who has direct access to the president regarding foreign policy/military.
- Largely free from congressional oversight.
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The Office of Management and Budget
- Responsible for preparing the budget of the United States.
- Can be used to control and manage the executive agencies for the president.
- Enormous power derived from the ability to allocate money to the cabinet departments.
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Domestic Policy Council
Assists the president in formulating policies relating to energy, education, agriculture, natural resources, economic affairs, health and human resources, welfare reform, drug abuse, and crime.
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The Council of Economic Advisors
- Responsible for helping the president make national economic policy.
- Usually made up of economists and advises the president on policies that are designed to increase prosperity.
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The U.S. Trade Representative
Responsible for negotiating complex trade and tariff agreements for the president.
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The Cabinet
- Not mentioned in Constitution but created through custom and usage.
- Each department instituted by an act of Congress.
- Secretary appointed by the president, but also may be dismissed.
- Secretaries always expected to support the president.
- Secretaries are buffers of criticism.
- Over time, secretaries represent the interests of their department more than the policies of the president.
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Impeachment Process
- House votes simple majority on grounds of "treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors"
- Senate removal on 2/3 vote.
- Very political; divides party lines.
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Alcee Hastings
Federal judge impeached for bribery and perjury, but now a member of the same House of Reps that voted for his impeachment.
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