Formal Powers
Informal Powers
Checks & Limits
SCOTUS
Power Scenarios
100

This clause gives the president authority to enforce laws passed by Congress.

Take Care Clause

100

This term refers to the president’s ability to shape public opinion through media.

Bully pulpit

100

This branch can declare executive actions unconstitutional.

Judicial Branch

100

This case established judicial review, allowing courts to check executive actions.

Marbury v. Madison

100

The president vetoes a bill passed by Congress. Identify the type of power.

Formal Power

200

This presidential power requires Senate approval and involves formal agreements with foreign nations.

Treaty power

200

This informal power allows the president to issue directives that carry the force of law without Congressional approval.

Executive Orders

200

This congressional power allows removal of a president for misconduct.

Impeachment

200

Political Spending is a form of protected speech under the first amendment....

Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission

200

The president gives a national speech to gain support for healthcare reform. Identify the type of power.

Informal Power (Bully Pulpit)

300

This role allows the president to deploy troops without a formal declaration of war.

Commander-in-Chief

300

These agreements with foreign nations do not require Senate approval and are often used instead of treaties.

Executive agreements

300

This Senate power serves as a check on presidential appointments.

Confirmation

300

Possession of a gun in a school zone became a federal crime.

United States v. Lopez

300

The president signs an agreement with another country without Senate approval. Identify the type of power.

Informal power (executive agreement)

400

This power allows the president to reject legislation, which Congress can override with a 2/3 vote.

 Veto power

400

This informal power involves negotiating with members of Congress to influence legislation.

Bargaining and persuasion

400

This Supreme Court case limited presidential power by rejecting unchecked executive privilege.

U.S. v. Nixon

400

Race based school segregation violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. 

Brown vs. Board of Education

400

The president sends troops abroad without a declaration of war.

Formal Power (Commander in Chief) 

500

This constitutional power allows the president to appoint federal judges, shaping policy long-term.

Appointment power

500

This tool allows the president to express how a law should be interpreted and enforced when signing it

Signing statements

500

This law limits the president’s ability to use military force without Congressional approval.

War Powers Act

500

School sponsorship of religious activities violates the Equal Protection Clause of the First Amendment

Engel v. Vitale 

500

The president pressures Congress and uses media to pass a law.

Informal powers: persuasion and going public