Formal Sources of power

• Approve Legislation


  - Sign a bill: done in public ceremony e.g. Obama was surrounded by members of public and congress when he signed ACA

  - Veto a bill: Bush had 12 vetos (4 overrode), Obama only had 1 of 12 overrides

  - Take no action: results in pocket veto, or automatic ascent
• State of Union


  Annual address outlining legislative agenda. E.g. Obama focused on Immigration Reform (2016), gay rights (2010) and gun control (2013). He was only successful on gay rights as Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act was signed
• Appointments


  President can appoint around 4000 officials, with only 1200 needing senate confirmation. Presidents can also make recess appointments which are temporary appointments made without senate approval when its in recess e.g. Bush's UN ambassador Bolton was down by this as were 1170 others
• Executive Power


  - Executive orders: Trump used 220, 58 in his first year

  - Presidential proclamation: these are normally directive given to members outside of executive branch E.g. Emancipation Proclamation (Lincoln) which freed slaves. Obama made 213

  - Signing statements: points out positives and negatives of bill. GW Bush used 127, Reagan used 86
• Pardons


  Ability to forgive person for their crimes. Can commute sentences also. Obama issued 330 commutations on his last day to people convicted for drug offences. Clinton used 396 pardons.
• Commander in Chief


  President is head of army, navy, air force, marines and coast guard
• Make Treaties


  Executive agreements do not need to be ratified by senate. START treaty in 2010. 2015 Iran deal was an executive agreement
• Receive Ambassadors 


  From foreign nations. Obama met with Dalai Lama 4 times