Constitutional powers of the president - Essay Example

Constitutional Powers of US President College Tutor DateIntroductionMr. Howard (2007) argues that according to the US constitution, for one to qualify to be the president, he/she first must be a natural born citizen of the United States, secondly be at least 35 years old and lastly be a resident of the United States for at least 14 years. According to the author the Executive power in the United States is vested in the President and that some of his powers are (a) commands military and has the power to grant Reprieves Pardons (b) power to make treaties (c) power for Recess appointments and (d) power to Commission officers Discussion Command of military and PardonsMr.

Howard points out that the president is the commander in chief of the army and navy of the United States, and militia of several States, the president is also given the power to require in writing the opinion of principal officer in each of the executive departments on any subject relating to the duties of their respective offices. The author also argues that the president enjoys the powers to grant Reprieves and Pardons for offenses against the United States, except in cases of impeachment. Nevertheless, he asserts that the president is the military's commander-in-chief; but the constitution gives Congress and not the President the authority to declare war.

Treaties "The President may exercise several powers with the advice and consent of the Senate. He shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States, whose Appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by Law"Mr Howard (2007).

Recess appointmentThe author argues that according to the constitution of US the President shall have power to fill up all vacancies that may happen during the Recess of the Senate, by granting appointments which are supposed to expire at the end of their next session. The author explains that during recesses of the Senate, the President may appoint officers, but their commissions expire at the conclusion of the Senate's next session Officers' CommissionLastly, he asserts that the President is obligated to appoint "Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States.

" These he says include officers in both military and Foreign Service ConclusionA keen observer of international politics would bear me witness that the first power of being the commander in chief of armed forces is the most important .my argument is that, by exercising this power, the president of US appears to be the world president, or the "world cop". Many examples can be given a few being war in Iraq, Afghanistan and the war against terrorism all of them being the brain child of the incumbent US president.

Work citedHoward D, 2007.The Constitution of USA: Analysis and Interpretation. Oxford, Oxford University Press