U.S. Government and Civics / Unit 7: The Presidency and the Federal Bureaucracy
7.2 Formal Powers
Notes
Formal (enumerated) powers are listed in Article II.
- Commander in chief of the armed forces (Congress declares war).
- Makes treaties with the advice and consent of two-thirds of the Senate.
- Appoints ambassadors, federal judges and top officials, with Senate confirmation.
- Grants pardons and reprieves for federal crimes, except in cases of impeachment.
- Veto power over bills (Article I, Section 7).
- Gives Congress information on the State of the Union, recommends legislation, can call Congress into special session, receives ambassadors and must "take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed."
| Role | Example power |
|---|---|
| Chief executive | Enforces laws, appoints officials |
| Commander in chief | Directs the military |
| Chief diplomat | Makes treaties, receives ambassadors |
| Chief legislator | Proposes laws, vetoes bills |
Practice
A person convicted of a federal crime asks for forgiveness of the sentence. Who can grant a pardon?
The president has the constitutional power to pardon federal offenses.
The president orders troops to a new location during a war. This uses the president's role as:
The president commands the armed forces.
The president nominates an ambassador to Japan. What must happen next?
Ambassadors require Senate confirmation by majority vote.
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