The Presidency: Office of Power [antikvár]

FOREWORD It is freely conceded that the Presidency of the United States is unique in that it is the highest elective office in a free land and is clothed with vast powers, the limits of which have never been fully determined, and has become so influential in world affairs it fully deserves applied and intensive study by all students of government and by all government officials as well. The President's power to vető legislation and then use the power of the Executive Branch to have that vető sustained makes his views highly important on any legislation which may be contemplated by the Congress. His role as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces has never been delimited by any court decision and could be limited only if the Congress failed to supply funds. This obtains whether the nation is in a state of declared war or undeclared war that is actually carried on by the Executive. His powers under existing budget procedures are vast indeed. In his State of the Union Message the President can lay out a program for the nation which can be a complete blueprint which may or may not depart significantly from the existing order of things. This message he can supplement with a budget prepared under his direction. He can thereafter use every médium of information, all of which are so accessible to him since the President is always front page copy, in order to sell that program to the people. His persuasive and patronage powers can both be used to shape to somé degree the form, content, and timing of legislation. As the leader of his party he can use or he can withhold his personal prestige and that of the Executive Branch in bringing influence to bear on the outcome of a Federal election. His pronouncements or the state of his health can depress markets and affect the state of the national economy. Truly these are vast powers.