Essay On Formal And Informal Powers

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In order to pursue his/her agenda, the president can use both informal and formal powers.
Informal powers are similar to the "necessary and proper" clause of the constitution because they are not explicitly stated. However, they include:
- Executive agreements which are international agreements with power and authority like a treaty, ability to meet with world leaders because he/she is one
- In case of emergency, President can get control and spend money if he/she deems it necessary. Lincoln spent money during the Civil War without Congressional approval.
- EXECUTIVE ORDERS which are rules or regulations issued by the President that hold the same weight as law. They can enforce statutes, enforce the Constitution or treaties, and establish or change how executive agencies work. For example, Obama's recent order about immigration.
- Executive
…show more content…
They are also called enumerated powers or explicit powers. They include:
- Legislative Powers: State of the Union address to Congress, recommending legislation to Congress, convening both houses of Congress on "extraordinary occasions", adjourn Congress if they cannot agree, and veto legislation (but Congress can overturn it with a 2/3 majority)
- National Security Powers: commander-in-chief, ability to make treaties with Senate approval of 2/3, appoint ambassadors (with Senate approval majority), and receive ambassadors from other countries
- Administrative Powers: enforce laws, nominate officials (with majority of Congress), meet with department heads, fill vacancies in Congress
- Judicial Powers: can grant pardons for federal offenses and appoint federal judges (with majority Senate approval). A recent example of this is Obama's nomination of Merrick Garland as the newest Supreme Court Justice. However, the Senate still needs to approve his pick.
Recent example: Obama's pick of Merrick Garland as the Supreme Court Justice
- This is a formal power since it is listed in the

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