What does the constitution restrict the president to do?

Answer 1

The expressed powers of the President of the United States are mostly set down in Article II of the Constitution. The powers are of two sorts: those exercised alone without legislative approval and those that require consent of the Senate or House. Powers of the President Alone: commander in chief of the armed forces; commission officers of the armed forces; grant reprieves and pardons for federal offenses (except impeachment); convene Congress into special session; receive ambassadors; take care that the laws be faithfully executed; make use of the "executive power" of the office, such as the veto power; give an annual State of the Union Address to Congress; appoint officials to lesser offices. Powers shared with the Senate/House: make treaties; appoint ambassadors, judges, and high governmental officials; approve legislation. The President also has “implied powers.” These are powers that are not listed in the Constitution but have been used by presidents as conditions change. During times of emergency, the President often does things that would not be acceptable during peaceful times. President Lincoln, for example, raised an army, spent money, blockaded southern ports, and suspended the writ of habeas corpus, and issued the Emancipation Proclamation without the approval of Congress. Since the President is the only person elected by the whole nation, the President can use his office to influence events and use his ceremonial duties to express his wishes and goals. He can use the media to get his message to the public or to criticize Congress or to try and convince congress to take a particular action. He can also use his office to influence the activity of the other two branches by his popularity with the public. Even a threat of a veto or the suggested appointment of a certain individual could make the other branches take notice of the implied suggestions from the executive office.