Video:Learn About the Legislative Powers of the President

Transcript:Learn About the Legislative Powers of the President

The President of the United States is commonly referred to as the most powerful person in the free world, but his legislative powers are strictly defined by the Constitution and by a system of checks and balances among the executive, legislative and judicial branches of the government.

The President's Legislative Powers Include Signing Bills Into Law

Although it is the responsibility of Congress to introduce and pass legislation, it is the president's duty to either approve those bills or reject them. Once the president signs a bill into law, it goes immediately into effect unless there is another effective date noted.

Only the Supreme Court may remove the law, by declaring it unconstitutional. The president may also issue a signing statement at the time he signs a bill. The president may also veto a specific bill, which Congress can override with a two-thirds majority of the number of members present in both the Senate and the House.

The president has a third option, which is to do nothing. In this case, two things can happen. If Congress is in session at any point within a period of 10 business days after the president receives the bill, it automatically becomes law. If Congress does not convene within 10 days, the bill dies and Congress cannot override it. This is known as a pocket veto.

The Legislative Powers of the President Allow for Certain Initiatives

There are two ways that presidents can enact initiatives without congressional approval. Presidents may issue a proclamation, often ceremonial in nature, such as naming a day in honor of someone or something that has contributed to American society.

A president may also issue an executive order, which has the full effect of law and is directed to federal agencies that are charged with carrying out the order.

The President Must Deliver the State of the Union Address

Once a year, the president is required to provide the full Congress with a State of the Union address. At this time, the president often lays out his legislative agenda for the next year, outlining his legislative priorities for both Congress and the nation at large.

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