Presidential powers.
Definition
Presidential powers are the constitutional and informal authorities granted to the president. These include signing or vetoing legislation, commanding the military, issuing executive orders, negotiating treaties, and appointing federal judges and cabinet members.
Examples
Real-world.
- 1 The president can veto a bill passed by Congress, requiring a two-thirds override vote
- 2 Executive orders like Truman's desegregation of the military in 1948 bypass the legislative process
- 3 The president nominates Supreme Court justices, subject to Senate confirmation
Key Fact
The president's veto can be overridden by a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate.