Enumerated Powers From the US Constitution

An Overview :
The power of the Executive Branch is vested in the President of the United States, who also acts
as head of state and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. The President is responsible for
implementing and enforcing the laws written by Congress and, to that end, appoints the heads of
the Federal agencies, including the Cabinet. The Vice President is also part of the Executive
Branch, ready to assume the Presidency should the need arise.
The Cabinet and independent Federal agencies are responsible for the day-to-day enforcement
and administration of Federal laws. These departments and agencies have missions and
responsibilities as widely divergent as those of the Department of Defense and the
Environmental Protection Agency, the Social Security Administration, and the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
Including members of the armed forces, the Executive Branch employs more than 4 million
Americans.
1- The President
The President is both the head of state and head of government of the United States of
America, as well as Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces.

Under Article II of the Constitution, the President is responsible for the execution and
enforcement of laws created by Congress. Fifteen executive departments—each led by an
appointed member of the President’s Cabinet—carry out the day-to-day administration of
the Federal Government. They are joined in this responsibility by other executive
agencies such as the CIA and Environmental Protection Agency, the leaders of which are
under the full authority of the President.
Under Article II of the United States Constitution. The President:

 Has the power to approve or veto bills and resolutions passed by Congress
 Through the Treasury Department, has the power to write checks pursuant to
appropriation laws.
 Pursuant to the Oath of Office, will preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the
United States.
 Serves as Commander-in-Chief of the United States military, and militia when called to
service.
 Is authorized to require principle officers of executive departments to provide written
opinions upon the duties of their offices
 Has the power to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States,
except in the cases of inpeachment.
 Has the power to make treaties, with the advise and consent of Congress.
  Has the power to nominate ambassadors and other officials with the advise and consent
of Congress.
 Has the power to fill vacancies that happen when the Senate is in recess that will expire
at the end of the Senate’s next session.
 Shall periodically advise Congress on the state of the union and give Congress
recommendations that are thought necessary and expedient.
 Has the power to convene one or both houses of Congress during extraordinary
occasions, and when Congress cannot agree to adjourn has the power to adjourn them
when he thinks the time is proper.
 Has the duty to receive ambassadors and other public ministers.
 Has the duty to see that the laws are faithfully executed.

Has the power to commission the officers of the United States.

2-The Powers of the President; Substantive Actions and Ceremonial Duties
The powers of the President are a mix of substantive actions and ceremonial duties. The
following is a list of constitution-based activities required by the President along with ceremonial
duties that often accompany these activities:

 Represent our nation in talks with foreign countries and leaders.

 Negotiate and sign treaties with foreign countries, only with Senate consent.
 Perform symbolic actions designed to create a sense of national pride and patriotism.
 Sign legislation passed by Congress and veto bills that the President is unwilling to
support.
 Act as Chief Executive Officer — implement and enforce the laws that Congress passes.
 Act as Commander in Chief of the armed forces.
 Make proposals about policies that should become laws — often presented in State of the
Union Speech.
 Grant pardons for those convicted of a crime.
 Nominate Cabinet members, justices of the federal court system and other high officials
and welcome ambassadorial representatives of foreign governments.
 Speak to the nation and the world on matters of domestic and international importance.