Can someone please rundown the basic powers of the President for me?

Question

I have read the Constitution, but some of that stuff is going over my head. I am writing a paper on the expansion of Executive power, and I need a quick synopsis of those powers.

Answer 1

In the presidency there is vested the executive power of the federal government. The president is the commander in chief of the army, which means provided Congress has passed a declaration of war, he can decide to send troops. So yea, since there hasn't been a declaration of war since WW2, all of the wars since are unconstitutional.

The president can propose laws and for instance, the budget, to Congress; but they are only guidelines or suggestions, Congress has to vote on it for it to become law.

If Congress passes a law the president does not like, he can veto it, or send it back to Congress. He can only veto a law once though; if Congress gets 2/3 majority after there is a veto than it becomes law anyway.

The president appoints his cabinet members, as well as a vice president; he can make treaties with foreign nations. He also makes sure the laws are duly executed. He also can pardon convicted criminals if he chooses to do so.

These are the powers the president is supposed to have according to the Constitution. But the presidency now has gone above and beyond these.....he has much more power than he used to.

Answer 2

Commander-In-Chief of the armed forces.
Responsible for enforcing the laws deemed Constitutional
Able to veto newly passed legislation or sign it into law.
Able to grant pardons for crimes committed.

That is all of the homework I will do for you.