CHAPTER XVIII.

DUTIES OF THE PRESIDENT.

1. What military power does the President possess? "The President shall be commander-in-chief of the army and navy of the United States, and of the militia of the several states when called into the actual service of the United States.". - Art. II. § 2. 1.

2. What may he require of the heads of departments?

"He may require the opinion in writing of the principal officer in each of the executive departments upon any subject relating to the duties of their respective offices." -Art. II. § 2. 1.

3. What power has he with respect to reprieves and pardons?

"He shall have power to grant reprieves and pardons for offences against the United States, except in cases of impeachment."- Art. II. § 2. 1.

4. What is the design of the pardoning power? It is designed to promote justice and the public good.

5. In what way can it promote justice?

Men are sometimes convicted of crimes when they are innocent, and they must suffer wrongfully unless delivered by the pardoning power.

6. Why may not the President pardon those who have been impeached and found guilty?

It would be in his power to shield his favorites from punishment, however great might be their political offences.

7. What is his power with respect to treaties? "He shall have power, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to make treaties, provided two thirds of the senators present concur."-Art. II. § 2.2.

8. What is the usual method of making treaties ? Treaties are negotiated on the part of the United States by the Secretary of State, or by a foreign minister under instructions from the Secretary. When the treaty is completed, it is sent to the President, who lays it before the Senate. If two thirds of the senators present approve it, he may give it his signature, when it becomes a part of the supreme law of the land.

9. May the President withhold his signature after the Senate has approved the treaty?

He may.

10. When a treaty has been approved by the Senate and signed by the President, and money is wanted to carry it into execution, is the House of Representatives bound to vote the money needed, even if they do not approve the treaty?

They are. The power of making and ratifying treaties belongs to the President and Senate.

11. What is the President's power of appointment to office?

"He shall nominate, and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the Supreme Court, and all other officers of the United States, whose appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by law." Art. II. § 2. 2.

12. Are all the officers of the United States appointed by the President and Senate?

No. "The Congress may by law vest the appointment of such inferior officers as they think proper in the President alone, in the courts of law, or in the heads of departments." — Art. II. § 2. 2.

13. Suppose vacancies occur during the recess of the Senate.

"The President shall have power to fill all vacancies that may happen during the recess of the Senate by granting commissions which shall expire at the end of their next session." Art. II. § 2. 3.

14. Where is the power of removal from office vested by the Constitution?

The Constitution is silent on the subject of removals except by impeachment.

15. By whom has the power of removal always been exercised?

By the President alone.

16. What is required of the President in relation to Congress?

"He shall from time to time give to the Congress information of the state of the Union, and recommend to their consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient."—Art. II. § 3. 1. 17. Why should he do this?

Because he may have important information not possessed by Congress, especially in relation to foreign affairs.

18. Does the President communicate with Congress orally or by message?

By message.

19. Is Congress obliged to consider the recommendations made by the President?

No.

20. Has the President power to call extra sessions of Congress?

"He may on extraordinary occasions convene both houses, or either of them." Art. II. § 3. 1.

21. What power of adjourning Congress does the President possess?

"In case of disagreement between them with respect to the time of adjournment, he may adjourn them to such time as he shall think proper." - Art. II. § 3. 1.

22. What is the duty of the President as to foreign ministers?

"He shall receive ambassadors and other public ministers."- Art. II. § 3. 1.

23. Is this an important power?

It is; for it gives the President a great degree of power in determining the relations of the United States to other nations.

24. Suppose a colony of a country rebels and sets up a new government, and the President receives their ambassador, what would be the effect of such reception? It would be an acknowledgment of the independence of the rebels by the United States.

25. What might this acknowledgment occasion? War with the parent state.

26. What is the duty of the President in regard to iaws?

"He shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed, and shall commission all the officers of the United States."— Art. II. § 3. 1.

27. How may the President and other officers be removed from office?

"The President, Vice-President, and all civil officers of the United States shall be removed from office on impeachment for, and conviction of, treason, bribery, or other high crimes or misdemeanors." Art. II. § 4. 1.

28. How are military officers tried?

They are tried by a court martial, which is a court composed of military officers detailed for that purpose by the commanding officer.

29. How many executive departments have been constituted by Congress?

Five, viz., the department of state or foreign affairs, of the interior, of the treasury, of war, and of the navy.

30. Who constitute the cabinet?

The heads of departments, together with the attorney-general and the postmaster-general.

QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW.

THE EXECUTIVE.

1. What is the duty of the executive?

2. Have the United States a single or plural executive?

3. Where is the executive power vested?

4. Where was the executive power of the Republic of Rome vested? Ans. In two consuls.

5. Where is the executive power of Great Britain vested?

6. How is the President elected?

7. Under what circumstances does the election devolve upon the House of Representatives?