Presidential Power Do Our Presidents Have Too

Presidential Power

Do our Presidents have too much or not enough power? Why or why not?

The President of the United States has the primary duty of ensuring that all U.S. laws are carried out properly and that the federal government runs effectively. He or she does not have the power to introduce or enforce new legislation; this power belongs to Congress. However, he or she is elected "for the people, by the people" and has the power to veto any bill legislature approves. This is significant authority, but ultimately, Congress (elected Senate and House of Representatives members) works as a unit to create and lobby for the laws that ultimately govern our society and can override a Presidential veto.

The President serves as Commander in Chief of the U.S. armed forces, oversees foreign policy, creates treaties with foreign nations and appoints ambassadors to the U.N. And other countries. This is considerable power because it relates to our place in the free world -- who we are allies with, who we are not, and how we defend against anything or anyone who threatens our way of life and our nation. The President has the authority to deploy the armed forces at his discretion, with congressional approval. He may also ask Congress to declare war on other nations.

The President's power also extends to making key appointments such as the Vice President, Attorney General, and the Presidential Chief of Staff. He or she can also appoint Supreme Court justices and federal judges. In this way, the President has the power to steer the tone and policy for the entire executive branch and how laws are enforced. Ultimately, the President of the United States has just enough significant power in terms of legislative duties, foreign policy and military declarations of war. This power is limited, however, by two-thirds majority votes in Congress to overstep a veto and the power of the Electoral College and the public to elect and re-elect. Therefore, Presidential power is neither all-inclusive nor absolute.

What personal qualities do you think are needed to be a successful President? Are the qualities needed in peace time the same as in war time?

I think that a President should first and foremost be intelligent. Policies should be realistic and decisions should be in the best interest of the American people. An extensive knowledge of the U.S. political system is important, as are excellent public speaking skills. Being able to speak to the people during times of peace and war is critical.

A wartime President should be diplomatic, without being weak or seeking to appease the enemy. He or she should build teams of smart, capable leaders and work collectively to make tough decisions. Patriotism and professionalism are important and the needs and safety of the people should be his or her ultimate concern.

A President should also demonstrate honesty by living up to promises and be straightforward about the state of the Union. He or she should be relatable, unbiased and understanding. Being able to connect to the people and others across the globe is very important. Above all, the President should be a competent leader. The presidential office comes with a tremendous responsibility and without sound judgment and the ability to lead, success would not be possible and the prosperity of the country would be at risk.

As you are writing about the Supreme Court decision that is of interest to you, please write an opinion on how you would vote on the case and some implications that "your" case had or will have on society.

DORSEY, EDWARD v. UNITED STATES

No. 11-5683. Argued April 17, 2012 -- Decided June 21, 2012

In 2010, Congress enacted a new statute reducing the crack-to-powder cocaine disparity from 100-to-1 to 18-to-1. The new statute took effect on August 3, 2010. Congress upheld that the new, more lenient mandatory minimum provisions should apply to pre-Act offenders. I would vote to apply the law retroactively. What's fair for someone going into prison is fair for the person who's already incarcerated for the same violation and crime.