Which of the Following is NOT a Power of the President of the United States?

The following are all powers of the President except________.

A. making laws B. vetoing any bills passed by Congress C. appointing federal judges when vacancies occur D. issuing executive orders

Answer: A. making laws

Explanation: The President of the United States has a wide range of powers, but making laws is not one of them. That power belongs to the legislative branch, Congress. The President can influence the legislative process by proposing bills and working with members of Congress, and ultimately has the power to veto bills passed by Congress, but cannot create laws independently.

Let's examine why the other options are powers of the President:

• Vetoing bills passed by Congress: This is a key check the President has on the legislative branch, ensuring no bill can become law without Presidential approval (or a Congressional override of the veto).
• Appointing federal judges when vacancies occur: The President nominates judges to the Supreme Court and other federal courts, subject to Senate confirmation. This power significantly shapes the judicial branch.
• Issuing executive orders: These directives manage operations of the federal government and have the force of law, allowing the President to act on specific issues within their executive authority.