List and Briefly Describe the Constitutional Powers of the President, Essay Example

Under the Constitution, the President of the United States has powers of appointment, which means that he or she must appoint over 6,000 federal positions (heads of federal executive departments, government agencies officials, the White House Staff, members of the diplomatic corps etc.) before taking office. The President also appoints federal judges.

The President also has the power of executive clemency which can take the forms of pardon or commutation. The President can issue amnesties to groups of people.

One of the most important President’s power is that of administering foreign affairs. The President has primary responsibility in this sphere and appoints ambassadors and consuls (the former function is partially shared with the Senate). Nonetheless important is the President’s power as the Commander-in-Chief of the American armed forces. The President can also commission officers of the armed forces.

Emergency powers give the President a right to declare a state of emergency, thus allowing a bypass of normal administrative and jurisdictional rules.

The President has executive privilege – the right to withhold information from publicity including Congress and the Courts when it comes to issues of national security.

Finally, the President can convene special sessions of Congress.