The constitution gives the president his powers.
The president of the United States is given the most power of all elected government officials in the country. Even though the president is not alone in the powers and duties of governing, the executive powers he is given affect the other two branches -- judicial and legislative. The president gets some of his power through the United States constitution, where his powers are spelled out in Article II.
Executive Clemency
The president of the United States is given the power of pardoning, or clemency, by the constitution. He is able to pardon or officially forgive a crime that has been acknowledged. When the pardon is given, the crime is no longer punishable. It is waived for the remainder of the sentence that was originally given. The president is, in effect, the pardon attorney of the United States Department of Justice. He reviews each request for a pardon and makes a decision on whether a pardon is warranted.
Selecting Foreign Affairs Officials
Under the constitution, the president of the United States has the power to select people of his choice to deal with foreign affairs. This includes appointing foreign ministers, ambassadors and consuls. After being selected by the president, these people must then be approved by the Senate in a process known as confirmation. The president also has the power of recognizing new governments and new nations, as well as the power to negotiate treaties with other nations. The treaties must then be approved by the Senate by a two-thirds vote to make it legal and binding.
Command of Military
The president is commander in chief of the military branches that include the army and the navy of the United States. He may also ask for the written opinion of the top officer in the executive departments of each branch. He has the power to grant pardons and reprieves in the case of an offense against the United States. The exception is in the case of an impeachment.
Powers and Responsibilites
Because the United States is a presidential system, the president fulfills the roles of head of state and head of government. As a head of state, the president represents the nation at home and abroad. Although not all of his powers and responsibilities are written within the pages of the constitution, the president has specific duties as well as powers that are traditional in his role.
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