Executive Power

Executive Power in the United States

Executive Power

In the United States Constitution

According to the Encyclopedia of the American Constitution, Article II of the Constitution vests “the executive power” of the United States in the President, whereas Article I vests in Congress those legislative powers “herein granted,” and Article III says that the jurisdiction of the federal courts extends only to the subjects enumerated in it.

History

Within the executive branch (…), the president has broad powers to manage national affairs and the workings of the federal government. The president can issue rules, regulations and instructions called executive orders, which have the binding force of law upon federal agencies. As commander-in-chief of the armed forces of the United States, the president may also call into federal service the state units of the National Guard. In times of war or national emergency, the Congress may grant the president even broader powers to manage the national economy and protect the security of the United States.

The president chooses the heads of all executive departments and agencies, together with hundreds of other high-ranking federal officials. The large majority of federal workers, however, are selected through the Civil Service system, in which appointment and promotion are based on ability and experience. (1)

In relation to other presidential powers, despite the Constitutional provision that “all legislative powers” shall be vested in the Congress, the president, as the chief formulator of public policy, has also a major legislative role.

Executive Power Background

Resources

Notes and References

  1. “An outline of American government” (1980), by Richard C. Schroeder

See Also


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