The 2016 presidential election is causing significant uproar from the media. Americans are “feeling the bern” or invigorated by Drumpf syndrome. At this moment, it is quite possible we may have Donald J. Trump as president whether you like it or not. Trump has surged many supporters with his rather, “un-political” voice, but there are still many Americans stressed over the idea of his tiny hands touching the Oval Office. Should we actually be putting energy into worrying about him, how much power does the President actually have?There is some debate about the president’s role within the framework of the Constitution, but these are the listed powers written and given to all presidents.
Simply, the president has military power, judicial power, is the nation’s Chief Diplomat, and carries ambiguous executive powers. The formal powers are found in the Constitution in Article II and can also be referred to as expressed powers.
The president serves as the Commander in Chief of the United States Army and Navy. This allows for him/her to send troops, ships, and planes to wherever he/she wants once Congress declares war. The military is trained to only follow just, legal orders, so the president would not be successful when making any radical decision in this position. But, any legal move is fair game.
The president has diplomatic powers to create treaties with foreign nations. He does not normally write these documents but takes credit for them. The visible foreign policy power America sees is his ability to receive ambassadors and recognize that ambassador’s country’s existence and legitimize a nation state.
The president makes a State of the Union address at the beginning of each year to inform Congress of its happenings. Under special circumstances, the president can veto certain laws passed by Congress. With the consent of the Senate, the president can appoint judges. Most importantly, the president can present pardons and reprieves toward anyone, even someone in jail. This can be referred sometimes as “the court of the last appeal”.
This is it for the formal Constitutional powers for United States President. George Edwards, a professor of political science at Texas A&M University states, “Our founding fathers knew what they were doing … they specifically designed an inefficient system.” By looking at the short list above, the president does not have as much power as it might seem, or that he might have promised. Trump could potentially release a murderer from jail, veto every bill in sight (with less than 2/3 of both houses vote), or send many soldiers overseas into war. But, how much global chaos can arise from that? Most likely, none. But the important thing to remember is that the president becomes the face and symbol of America. Trump may not have many formal rights, but his face and attitude would make a loud statement ricocheting all around the globe. He has already spurred a loud uproar from Mexican officials and dignitaries in regards to his wall.
So, in conclusion, while the president is more than just a magic wizard behind a curtain, he very rarely can cause any significant damage to our economy. Having Trump sit in the presidential chair would, though, create a loud message to the rest of the world in characterizing America. But, America was designed to balance its power effectively. I don’t see any reason to flee to Canada this fall if a certain businessman is elected into office.
