Most Powerful Man in the Wold--The President of the United States
By gifana
@gifana (4833)
Portugal
November 28, 2006 7:43am CST
Why do most foreigners, and many Americans, consider the President of the United States to be the most powerful man in the world. In fact, he is not. In the US government he has power only over the Executive Branch and cannot do anything without the approval of the U.S. Congress and the sanction of the US Supreme Court. It's called checks and balances and specifically written in the Constitution. We criticize our presidents because they did this or they didn't do that without considering that he can only do what Congress allows him to do....He can only submit proposals to the Congress. It is they who have the final say. True, the President has the power of a veto. If the proposal is important enough it can go back to Congress and after more debates and compromises can become law. One thing that the President cannot do is declare, or go to war without Congress's consent. Only the US Congress has the power to declare war. There was one exception to this in 1941 with Roosevelt declared war on Japan after the attack on Pearl Harbor. But when presented to Congress it was unanimously passed without debate. Having said that I don't think it is fair to put all the blame of the situation in Iraq on Bush's shoulders. We wouldn't be there if Congress hadn't agreed.
6 responses
@Truewater2 (322)
• United States
28 Nov 06
If I remember correctly, The President of the United States is also Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the United States. That translates into the ability to issue orders to dispatch armed forces any time to any destination so specified without the formal declaration of war.
The Korean Conflict, Viet Nam Conflict, and the invasion of Grenada were not declared wars.
So, I would suggest the above-mentioned executive privilege, along with additional privileges afforded the Office of the President of the United States, would provide the bases for blaming the man who wears the title.
1 person likes this
@gifana (4833)
• Portugal
28 Nov 06
I must admit that you got me on this one. But in order to dispatch armed forces if i'm not mistaken it is only AFTER he has received confirmation either in public debate with in congress or in closed debate with its leaders. It is a point well taken. Have to admit that it didn't come to mind. Perhaps some other comments later can confirm on deny your statement. At this point I do neither. Appreciate your input to the discussion. You have earned a big
@swirlczuk (104)
• United States
28 Nov 06
Yeah. People that don't understand the system will put the war on Bush. He is not all powerfull. But it is eaiser to blame one person then a group. He's the face of the US so he is bound to get the blame. Doesn't mean I like him, but you are right.
1 person likes this
@vipul20044 (5793)
• India
28 Nov 06
Well yes as of now! The president of US have been the most dominating ones and without a shadow of doubt the most powerful ones as they are those who direct the world!
@gifana (4833)
• Portugal
28 Nov 06
Powerful in what way? US Presidents do not direct the world and the United States is not the policeman of the world. Citizens of other countries seem to think that but it untrue. We do not push Democracy on any country. We seek only to help them establish a government that works for them where all their citizens can enjoy the freedoms that the citizens of the United States do. Thank you for your response.
@jindals_yogesh (487)
• India
28 Nov 06
Its not President of US in any sense.. i think its Osama bin laden..What do u think..
@Dayna_Jeffrey4ever (1014)
• United States
28 Nov 06
I feel that he cheated the votes. So he must have power somewher.
