Diplomatic, Military, Legislative and Judicial

Powers of the PresidentChapter 14 Sections 3 & 4

Chief Diplomat

The power to make treaties (formal agreements between two or more sovereign states)› Senate must approve all treaties with a 2/3

vote of members present = Advice and Consent

› Treaties have the same legal standing as acts of Congress

Chief Diplomat

Executive Agreements (a pact between the President and the head of a foreign state)› Agreements do NOT have to be approved

by the Senate› Agreements do not supersede federal laws

of the laws of any State› When a new President takes office, he/she

may keep or disregard Agreements made by previous Presidents

Chief Diplomat

Power of Recognition – the President may receive diplomatic representatives of another sovereign state› Basically, the President, acting for the

United States, acknowledges the legal existence of that country and its government

› The president may also show displeasure with the conduct of another country Persona non grata – an unwelcomed

diplomat or representative

Commander in Chief

The Constitution makes the Chief Executive the Commander-in-Chief

Presidents delegate much of their command authority to military subordinates

The President has the final authority over, and responsibility for, all military matters

Commander in Chief

War Powers Resolution of 1973› The President can commit American

military forces to combat only if: Congress has declared war Congress has authorized that action When an attack on the nation or its armed

forces has occurred

Legislative Powers

The President may recommend legislation, usually done through the State of the Union Address

The veto power – The President may veto (reject) legislation passed by Congress› Pocket Veto – Can only be used at the end of a

congressional session – If Congress adjourns within ten days (not including Sundays) of sending a bill to the President, and the President does not act on it, the bill becomes void

Judicial Powers

Reprieve – the postponement of the execution of a sentence

Pardon – legal forgiveness of a crime Clemency – mercy or leniency powers

involving federal offenses Commutation – the power to reduce a

fine or length of a sentence Amnesty – a blanket pardon offered to

a group of law violators