Example research essay topic: Defining The Five Presidential Powers In American Government - 1,050 words

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Defining the Five Presidential Powers in the American Government It has been established that the President of the United States is often considered as among the most powerful persons in the free world. A Job so big and challenging that the late President Truman was quoted expressing this vivid comparison: "Being a president is like riding a tiger. A man has to keep riding or be swallowed, " (Harding in Bunch, 2000, p. 70), a description of a rather daunting task. The office of the President is part of the Executive Branch of the American Government (Legislative and Judicial being the last two branches) which makes sure that the laws of the United States are obeyed. The Executive Office of the President also includes the White House and Office of the Vice President, plus countless offices, both temporary and permanent, which work directly with the President in preparation and implementation of major policy. The President of the United States is the head of the executive branch.

This particular branch of Government is quite large and encompasses a lot of duties and responsibilities so the President gets assistance from the Vice President, Executive Department Heads (15 -Cabinet Members), and heads of independent agencies. Basic Role and Powers of the President of the United States As head of the Executive Branch, the President of the United States of America has various powers set forth in Article II of the Constitution which the President can exercise in his own right, without formal legislative approval while there are others that require the consent of the Senate or Congress as a whole. The powers vested to the President of the United States are basically categorized into five. These are the expected roles, duties and responsibilities required of the highest elected position in the land as set out in Article II of the Constitution.

One can observe that these roles are congruent with the general purposes of government set out in the Preamble of the US Constitution. The Executive Head is not only tasked to manage and oversee the day to day business of the Government as well as supervise the national defense of the country but is also expected to be the ceremonial head of the country with the responsibility to promote general welfare and establish relationships with other countries. As the chief administrator of the land, his powers include: Administrative Powers: Appoints the heads of each Executive Branch department as Chief of the Government. He also appoints ambassadors, Supreme Court Justices, and other officials, with the agreement of the majority of the Senate. Nominates ambassadors, with the agreement of a majority of the Senate.

The President appoints ambassadors, ministers, and consuls, which are subject to confirmation by the Senate. Requests written opinions of administrative officials. Fills administrative vacancies during congressional recesses. National Security/Ceremonial Head of State Powers: Serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces.

He can authorize the use of troops overseas without declaring war. To declare war officially, though, he must get the approval of the Congress. Receives ambassadors of other nations, thereby recognizing those lands as official countries. Makes treaties with other nations; however, the Senate must approve any treaty before it becomes official. (3) As the head of the nation's armed forces, he "shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States. " Executive Powers The president can issue rules, regulations, and instructions called executive orders, which have the binding force of law upon federal agencies but do not require congressional approval. The president nominates, subject to Senate confirmation, the heads of executive departments, agencies, and other high ranking federal officials. Apart from the basic authority and control given to the President of the United States, the Head Executive is also given lawmaking powers although these are strictly defined by the Constitution and by a system of checks and balances among the different agencies and offices of the executive, legislative and judicial branches of the government.

Despite these legislative powers to be part of the law making body of the land, the President cannot write bills. He can only propose one, but a member of Congress must submit it for him. Although he can veto any bill passed by Congress, he cannot force Congress to accept his proscription. Issuing a proclamation, often ceremonial in nature, and / or an executive order, which has the full effect of law and is directed to federal agencies that are charged with carrying out the order are the only ways the President can fully exercise his legislative power without congressional approval. The Presidents specific legislative powers are: Legislative Powers: Presents information on the state of the union to Congress. Convenes both houses of Congress on extraordinary occasions Recommends legislation to Congress.

Approves laws passed by Congress. "Take care that the laws be faithfully executed" -- Article II, Section 3 Aside from making sure that he is part of the law-making process, he is also tasked to be involved and have a role in the judiciary with specific authority and responsibility covering a wide range of matters conferred upon the President by federal law. He is commissioned to ensure that the laws be faithfully executed, " and that the Executive Head must have a hand in nominating the judges who will establish justice in the land. Particular judiciary authority of the President incorporate: Judicial Powers: Grants reprieves and pardons for Federal crimes (except impeachment). Appoints Federal judges, with the agreement of the majority of the Senate. The President has the power to grant a full or conditional pardon, except in a case of impeachment.

Reference List Harding quoted in Lonnie G. Bunch, Spencer R. Crew, Mark G. Hirsch, and Harry R. Rubenstein, The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden, Introduction by Richard Norton Smith (Washington, DC: Smithsonian Institution Press, 2000), pp. 67, 70. Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies (11 March 2008).

All the President's roles: What are the different roles that a modern president has? Retrieved March 12, 2008, from web Kent, Harold J. (2005). Presidential Powers. New York and London: New York University Press. Low, Theodore (1979).

The End of Liberalism. New York: Norton. (1985). The Personal President. Ithaca: Cornell University Press.

Research essay sample on Defining The Five Presidential Powers In American Government