Article II, Section 2

Clause 1 The President is the civilian leader of the nation's armed forces. The president can grant reprieves and pardons in federal cases. The part of this clause that allows him to require the written opinions of the heads of all executive departments upon subjects relating to their duties is the Constitutional basis for the formation of the Cabinet.

Clause 2 The President possesses sole treaty making power. A two -thirds vote from the Senate is required to ratify all treaties. The President will appoint ambassadors, public ministers, public consuls, Supreme Court judges, and all other officers of the U.S. whose appointments are not otherwise provided for., however the Senate provides the power to approve or disapprove these appointments. Congress may, by law, give the power to appoint inferior officers (non principal officers of the executive branch) to the President alone, the courts, or the heads of departments.

Clause 3 The President may make temporary appointments when the Senate is in recess. These appointments shall end upon the convening of the Senate's next session.

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© Copyright 1997 Jonathan Chin & Alan Stern