Question

Read about each of the actions below. Decide whether you believe the president should be able to

take each action. Explain your reasons for each decision.
a. A group of rebels in a foreign country overthrows its president and surrounds the American Embassy.
The U.S. president declares war on the rebel government.
b. The president has nominated a new federal judge, but the Senate has not yet approved the
appointment. It seems unlikely that the Senate will vote to confirm the new judge. When the Senate
goes on a holiday break, the president appoints the judge without the Senate's approval.
c. The president meets with the leader of a foreign country. Together, the two leaders agree not to
charge tariffs (taxes on imports) on each other's cars and trucks.
d. Congress passes a law that bans possession of certain drugs. The president instructs the Drug
Enforcement'Agency to focus their enforcement efforts on suspects who appear to be selling large
amounts of the illegal drugs, and not to worry much about people who are caught with small amounts.
e. A staff member from the vice president's office is sentenced to prison time for tampering with an
election. The president pardons the staffer, releasing her from prison.

Answer 1

Presidents have specific powers outlined in the Constitution, but they are also limited by the separation of powers. The president should respect the role of Congress and the Senate in decision-making processes.

Step-by-step explanation:

Presidents have the power to take certain actions, but the extent of those powers is limited by the Constitution and the separation of powers. Let's go through each scenario:

1. The president declaring war on a rebel government. While the president is the commander-in-chief of the military, it is Congress that has the power to declare war. So, in this case, it would require Congress's approval to declare war on the rebel government.
2. The president appointing a judge without Senate approval. The president has the power to nominate federal judges, but the Senate has the authority to confirm or reject those nominations. If the Senate is unlikely to approve the appointment, the president should respect the Senate's role and wait for their decision instead of making an appointment without their approval.
3. The president agreeing with a foreign leader not to charge tariffs on cars and trucks. The president has the authority to negotiate and make executive agreements with foreign leaders. This agreement falls within their powers as long as it does not violate any existing laws or treaties.
4. The president instructing the Drug Enforcement Agency on drug enforcement efforts. The president has the power to oversee the executive branch and set priorities for enforcing the law. As long as the president's instructions are within the boundaries of the law passed by Congress, they can determine the focus of the Drug Enforcement Agency's efforts.
5. The president pardoning a staff member for tampering with an election. The president has the power to grant pardons, which can be used to release individuals from punishment or prevent their prosecution. However, pardoning someone for tampering with an election could be seen as undermining democratic processes and may face scrutiny or criticism.