Summary American president is considered the most powerful man of the world, but his powers aren't limitless
WASHINGTON: (Web Desk) – American president is considered the most powerful man of the world and that is why Donald Trump’s election to power is being seen as a threat the world over. But even his powers aren’t limitless and there are certain things that an American president cannot do.
The American system is strictly based on accountability and check. And this is why despite being in a very powerful position, an American president are unbelievably very limited in their personal lives and in exercise of their powers. Let’s see some of the things that an American president does not have the power to do.
Supreme Court members’ selection:
The appointment of judges in American Supreme Court is for life i.e. a person, once appointed, may continue as a member of Supreme Court till death or till the time he chooses to retire. The change of a member is an extraordinary process and the tenure of a member is longer than even the president of the country. For example, Antonin Scalia, who died earlier this year (2016) had been nominated by Ronald Reagan in 1986, and his name was approved by Senate. Although the president has the power to nominate a member, this nomination must be approved by Senate. And the senate also has the power to reject a member’s nomination.
Stopping deportation or declaring immunity for all illegal immigrants:
Obama had also tried to impose temporary ban on the deportation of all the illegal immigrants settled in America, but Supreme Court blocked his move.
Opening borders:
The laws made in 1921 reduce the number of illegal immigrants living in America every year. The president is required to decide on the maximum number of the illegal immigrants living in America in coordination with Congress.
Driving:
Despite being the most powerful people of the world, the presidents of America are barred from driving. Secret service discourages it. Even if it happens, it happens in extremely convenient areas, such as a golf club.
Use of iPhone:
US President Barrack Obama in an interview with Jimmy Kimmel in 2015 told that he still used his Blackberry phone since an American president could not use a phone with a recording device in it.
Devising trade policy:
Although a president may present his fast-track trade policy but Congress’s approval is must for it. Fast-track means that Congress does not have the power to amend the policy; it has to either approve it in full or disapprove it completely.
Approval of additional funds for space institution:
An American president can suggest steps and budget to achieve American targets in the space but all the rights to dole out funds for it are reserved by the congress.
The declaration of war:
This power resides with Congress alone. President cannot declare war but he/she can sign the declaration.
Amendment in constitution:
American constitution may be changed only through a constitutional amendment initiated by Congress or Senate. And this bill needs approval from two-thirds of the congress votes before being passed on to the states. Later, it needs ratification of three-fourths of the states. In other words, the approval of the elected members at the state and federal levels is vital for an amendment to be made. This has only been done 27 times till date.
Suspension of state operations:
In October 2013, the state operations were suspended because of the discord between the Democrat-dominated Senate and Republican-dominated house on the budget. A president may neither order it nor may he disallow it.
The story was originally published in Daily Dunya.
