What are the constitutional powers of the president?

The powers of the president are laid out in Article II of the Constitution. The president has the power to propose legislation, he may do so in a number of ways; for example through his annual State of the Union Address. However, the president can propose legislation at any time, by for example calling a press conference or making an announcement at a public event. Obama’s first State of the Union address established that healthcare & economic stability were the main issues of 2009. Once bills have passed through Congress, they appear on the president’s desk. He may sign it into law or veto it. For example, George W. Bush vetoed the Child’s Health Insurance bill.

The president also has the power to act as chief executive, Article II states ‘The executive power shall be vested in a President”, he is in charge of running the executive branch of the federal Gov. This role includes implementing existing federal laws, initiating new laws and programmes and managing the economy. In regard to foreign policy, the president has the power to negotiate treaties with foreign powers. The president’s seal of office has an olive branch to symbolise his peace making role. Obama negotiated the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty with Russia in 2010. Moreover, the president is commander-in-chief of all the armed forces.

The president has the power to nominate federal judges and executive branch officials. At the beginning of his second term, Obama nominated Sen. John Kerry to be Secretary of State and Sen. Chuck Hagel to be Secretary of defence. In his first term, Obama made two judicial appointments, that of Sonia Sottomayer in 2009, and Elena Kagan in 2010. Finally, the president has the power to pardon felons. For example, George W. Bush issued 189 pardons, and Obama issued 22 in his first term.