Where in the Constitution is the President getting his authority to make so many changes? This question is swirling around in the minds of Americans, so let’s make some discoveries.
The Constitution gives the President Limited and Defined Powers
First, any U. S. President’s authority to make various changes during their administration is primarily derived from Article II of the U.S. Constitution, which limits and defines the powers and responsibilities of the Executive Branch. Key provisions include:
-Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces; gives orders and specific regulations (Congress makes the basic rules)
-Signs into law or vetoes bills passed by Congress
-Head of the Cabinet (they advise the President and administer the various departments)
-Pardon offenses in all federal cases except impeachment
-Makes treaties under the advisement and consent of the Senate (approval of 2/3 of the Senate required)
-Appoints the Supreme Court Justice, federal judges, ambassadors, and cabinet members with Senate approval
-Gives the State of the Union report annually
-Enforces federal laws (faithfully executes all laws of the United States)
-Can recommend legislation but cannot introduce legislation
-Can call an emergency session of Congress
The Constitution Gives Presidential Authority Over the Executive Branch
Second, the President oversees the Executive Branch, which includes Cabinet members (Vice-President, Secretary Of State, Secretary of Defense, Secretary of the Treasury, Attorney General, and others). Additionally, federal agencies and departments, such as the CIA, FBI, DOD, NSA, IRS, and the Armed Forces, are under the authority of the President.
There are Checks and Balances On the President’s Authority
While the President has significant authority in Article II, the Chief Executive must have congressional approval to do certain activities like distributing federal resources. He cannot by himself, without the agreement of Congress, declare war or usurp other powers not given to the Chief Executive in the Constitution (for example, see Article I, sec. 8). If he does, the President can face legal challenges from citizens. Using checks and balances, the Supreme Court or other Federal Courts could also render an opinion on his actions. This is the standard way things work in our Constitutional Republic.
The President has substantial authority given to him in Article II. His power is balanced by the legislative (Congress) and Judicial Branches to prevent overreach and maintain adherence to the U. S. Constitution.
Ultimately, the Authority is We the People
Finally, as Americans, we tend to like it when we agree with any changes the Chief Executive makes and dislike his actions when we disagree. However, We the People can present the government with a redress of grievances and peacefully protest, as per the First Amendment, if we wish to challenge a particular presidential decision. Ultimately, the President’s power is not absolute. Our Constitutional framework balances it—reminding us that in a Constitutional Representative Republic, We the People hold the actual authority. Exercising that authority respectfully and legally is the American way.
This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship.🇺🇸
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