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Without an executive, the national government had no one to carry out the acts of Congress.

many of the Founders distrusted direct participation by the people in decision making.

they wanted a strong executive branch that would protect liberty, private property, and businesses.

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Article II of the Constitution says that the executive power is vested in a president.

outlines several key presidential powers.

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Inherent powers are those claimed by the president that are not clearly expressed in the Constitution.

Presidents assert that these powers can be inferred from the loosely worded constitution.

When a president exercises an inherent power not stated in the Constitution, Congress may either try to limit the power or go along with it.

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Presidents have often called upon their inherent powers during war or other times of emergency.

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the power of executive privilege is not named in the Constitution.

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All presidents like to claim that their ideas and policies represent a mandate from the people.

The president’s popularity ratings can change very quickly.

Public opinion can limit a president.

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Head of State

Chief Executive

Commander in Chief

Chief Diplomat

Legislative Leader

Economic Planner

Party Leader

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The U.S. president is both head of state and chief executive

represents the nation and performs many ceremonial roles

directs the activities of the thousands of executive branch employees who carry out the laws

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the constitution does not provide much detail about the components of this power.

when Congress passes a law, it is the president’s responsibility to put that law into action.

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the president appoints about 2,200 top-level federal officials who run the executive branch.

this authority to appoint top officials in the administration is one important tool a president has to influence how legislation is implemented.

presidents can also control the implementation of the laws by firing officials they have appointed.

the president also appoints all federal judges.

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presidents issue executive orders.

executive orders may be issued to detail the specific actions federal agencies must take to implement a law.

executive orders have also been used to make dramatic new policy.

presidents cannot issue all executive orders they would like.

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When the president has deep disagreements with Congress about what programs should exist, he or she may refuse to spend funds Congress approved to carry out those programs.

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the president also can grant reprieves and pardons for federal crimes.

The president may also grant amnesty.