Has the presidency become too powerful? Electoral College The President has too much power in my opinion.
Overview
The United States Constitution’s Article II lists the authority given to the President of the United States. The Constitution’s framers intended for the presidency to have some authority, but that authority would be subject to congressional checks. The Founders were concerned that a strong “Chief Executive” may behave too much like a monarch.
The U.S. Constitution has laid out the president’s powers from the first President George Washington to the 46th President Joseph Robinette Biden, but those powers have also grown gradually and occasionally dramatically over time. A climate of fear has pushed elected politicians to give the President more authority, especially in times of crisis, like after the attacks of September 11, 2001. The Executive Branch has historically been quite hesitant to give up the powers assumed in times of crisis, even after the crisis is over.
The President is designated as the American military’s Commander in Chief under Article II of the Constitution. In addition, as the leader of the US government, the President has the authority to enforce US laws. The President can also greet foreign dignitaries on behalf of the United States as the Head of State.
To aid in the implementation of federal laws, the President picks members of his cabinet with the Senate’s consent. There is a predetermined succession plan in place in the event that the President passes away or becomes incapable.
Additionally, the President has the authority to nominate judges for both the US Supreme Court and the federal bench. The United States Senate must also concur with and accept presidential judicial nominations. The President must nominate someone else if the Senate rejects a candidate he or she has proposed.
