Presidential Powers: Executive Authority

The President executes laws, manages foreign policy, and commands the military.

Related Executive Power rules

• War & Military PowersCongress may declare war and regulate military forces, and war powers expand federal authority.
• Executive AgreementsExecutive agreements are valid international agreements requiring no Senate approval.
• Treaty PowerTreaties require Senate approval and supersede conflicting state laws.
• Youngstown CategoriesPresidential power is strongest with congressional authorization and weakest when acting against congressional intent.
• Appointment PowerThe President appoints principal officers with Senate consent; Congress may vest inferior appointments in courts or…
• Removal PowerThe President may remove executive officials unless removal protections are constitutionally permissible.
• ImpeachmentOfficials may be impeached for treason, bribery, or high crimes and misdemeanors; House impeaches, Senate convicts.

Part of Constitutional Law on Core Legal Rules — foundational MBE-tested principles with primary-source citations.