Commander & Chief \ Make Treaties
Hurricane Hits the East Coast
After a hurricane hits a U.S. state, the president sends in the National Guard to help with rescue efforts and deliver supplies.
Supreme Court Appointment
The president nominates a new Supreme Court justice and waits for the Senate to vote on the nomination.
Enforce or not to Enforce?
In 1832, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Worcester v. Georgia that the state of Georgia could not force the Cherokee Nation off their land. The law was clear—but President Andrew Jackson reportedly refused to enforce the decision. While the famous quote “John Marshall has made his decision; now let him enforce it” may be legend, Jackson’s actions showed he didn’t support or enforce the Court’s ruling.
State of the Union 1 before Congress
The president gives a speech to Congress explaining the economy’s status and asks for help passing a new education bill.
A Protest that Gets Attention
The president sends the Army into a state to control a peaceful protest without asking the state governor or getting permission from Congress.
Pardon
The president pardons someone who was wrongly convicted of a federal crime after reviewing the case.
Cybercrime control
The president tells the FBI to increase efforts to stop cybercrime, following the laws already in place.
State of the Union 2
During the State of the Union, the president announces a new law will start right away—even though Congress hasn’t passed it.
Overseas Rescue
The president orders the Navy to help rescue Americans trapped in another country during a natural disaster.
Agency Appointment
The president picks someone to run an important agency and says they can start the job right away.
Did the Senate approve them?
Picking and Choosing?
What happened: President George W. Bush often used something called "signing statements" when he signed new laws. These statements sometimes said he wouldn’t follow parts of the law if he believed they interfered with his powers as president—especially laws about national security or how the military should be handled.
Attack!
The president starts a military attack on another country without telling Congress or getting approval, even though the U.S. hasn’t been attacked.
Pardon 2
The president pardons a friend who broke the law, even though there was strong evidence and the jury found them guilty.
Veto 1
The president vetoes a bill about pollution control because they believe it would hurt small businesses, and sends it back to Congress.
Trade Agreements (Treaty)
The president works with leaders of another country to create a trade agreement, then sends it to the Senate for approval.
Veto 2
The president threatens to veto every new law until Congress gives them something they personally want.