Formal Sources of Presidential Power (Edexcel A Level Politics): Revision Note

Optional unit

The Constitution

• The range of powers of the presidency is outlined in Article II of the US Constitution as the second most important branch of government after Congress

  • The power of a president is often a balance of their formal and informal powers

The president as Head of Government

• The president is both the head of state and head of government

  • This differs to the UK, where the monarch is technically the Head of State whilst the Prime Minister is the Head of Government

Head of State

• Represents the nation ceremonially

  • The president hosts foreign leaders, such as President Trump hosting President Putin in Alaska in 2025

  • Hosting them in the White House can also lend power to the president through the symbolism of the building

• Representing the US internationally

  • The president represents the US in organisations such as NATO and the G7

• Receiving ambassadors

  • By receiving ambassadors, the President recognises other nations with which the US is willing work with internationally

• The power of the pardon

  • The President can pardon anyone of a US federal crime

  • E.g. In 2025, President Trump pardoned around 1600 people charged in relation to the insurrection at Congress on Jan 6, 2021

Head of Government

• Legislative powers

  • The President can suggest legislation, for example at the State of the Union, and sign or veto legislation passed by Congress

    • E.g. President Biden directed the American Rescue Plan (2021) due the COVID-19 pandemic

• Issuing executive orders

  • The president can issue executive orders which directs departments of government on how they would like a law from Congress to be implemented

• Head of Government and Head of State

  • Commander-in-chief

    • As Commander-in-chief, the President is responsible for both protecting the US from external threats, preventing conflict between states, and leading military action overseas

  • Treaty negotiations

    • The president can negotiate treaties with foreign nations

      • These often have a direct domestic impact on the US

  • State of the Union address

    • The President addresses Congress annually about the state of the US and can use this opportunity to suggest legislation

Implications of the dual role

• The dual role that the President holds allows flexibility

  • The president can inspire symbolically while also managing government operations

  • However, the distinction sometimes creates tension

    • For example, foreign crises may require head-of-state diplomacy while domestic policy demands head-of-government focus