Powers of the U.S. President

Article II of the Constitution of the United States vests (!)3 J3 ) " executive power" in the president. There is some dispute among constitutional scholars as to whether the executive power consists solely of those powers enumerated for the president, or whether it consists of additional powers that are implied in Article II . Most authorities lean toward the latter interpretation.

The actual powers expressly granted to the president are few in number. He is Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy and of the state militias when called into service of the United States. He may require the written opinion of his executive officers and is empowered to grant reprieves and pardons except in the case of impeachment. He has power, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to make treaties, provided that two-thirds of the senators present concur (|^^) . He also nominates and, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, appoints ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls. Justices of the Supreme Court, and other federal officers whose appointments are established by law. Congress has by law vested the appointment of inferior officers in the president. The president has the power to fill all vacancies that occur during the recess of the Senate. Those commissions expire unless the Senate consents to them when it reconvenes. The Constitution also directs the president to periodically inform Congress on the state of the Union and to recommend legislation that he considers necessary and expedient. He may, on extraordinary occasions, convene both Houses of Congress, or either of them, and in case the two Houses disagree as to the time of adjournment, he may adjourn them to such time as he shall think proper. ' The president shall also receive ambassadors and other public ministers, take care that the laws are faithfully executed, and commission all officers of the United States. The president may veto ("S" $i) acts of Congress. A two-thirds vote of those present and voting is required in both the House and the Senate to override his veto.