Elections in America: How Much Power the President Really Has

The White House in Washington is the official residence of the President of the United States. The “most powerful man in the world” does not rule entirely alone, as the US president is controlled by Congress and the Supreme Court.

Source: Reuters

The President of the United States governs within a balance of power between Congress, which consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate and the Supreme Court. Creating a system of checks and balances was important to the Founding Fathers – apart from the concentrated power of the British Crown.

As the head of government, the president appoints his cabinet, heads of key officials and high government representatives such as ambassadors and judges to the Supreme Court – confirmed by the Senate. He is in command of the armed forces, which are about a million strong, and can mobilize them in times of crisis. The President can also pardon criminals.

President of the United States

Bills may be introduced by representatives and are usually proposals of the President's delegation or initiatives. To become law, each bill needs a majority in both houses of Congress. It is difficult for the president to implement his ideas when the opposing party has a majority in the House of Representatives, the Senate, or even both houses. As a rule, people vote on party lines.

If the president gets caught up in Congress, he has a powerful tool at his disposal: a so-called executive order. The decree immediately makes his word law. Such rapid action is particularly important in the field of foreign policy and military affairs.

New officials may also make orders disappear sooner. On his first day as president, on January 20, 2021, Biden rescinded Trump's “travel ban.” If Trump wins this year, he will bring him back. Whether it continues is up to Congress and the Supreme Court.