Topic: Presidential Powers

Top galleries, list articles, quizzes

Egypt's constitution: How 5 stakeholders would shape the document

Here’s what key stakeholders want Egypt’s new constitution to look like.
Election 101: Where the GOP candidates stand on the economy

With more than 13 million Americans out of work and wage increases so modest they’re failing to keep up with inflation, voters have put the economy and jobs at the top of their checklist of presidential issues.
Arizona shooting: Seven times politics turned to threats or violence last year

Saturday's shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D) of Arizona wasn't the first time in recent memory that a member of Congress has been targeted for his or her views.
Who got pardons or clemency in 2010? A surprise list of people and animals.

From Apple and Cider to Jim Morrison, those who received reprieves this year don’t always fit the mold. Here is a look at five reprieves in 2010, plus one pending petition.
Gallery: Health care reform passed: who Nancy Pelosi won and lost

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Egypt's constitution: How 5 stakeholders would shape the document

Here’s what key stakeholders want Egypt’s new constitution to look like.
Election 101: Where the GOP candidates stand on the economy

With more than 13 million Americans out of work and wage increases so modest they’re failing to keep up with inflation, voters have put the economy and jobs at the top of their checklist of presidential issues.
'Swag' joins waste, fraud, and abuse

A presidential order calling for the government to trim spending has cast the spotlight on an old term with a new meaning.
The Vote
'Drill, baby, drill': Rick Perry's answer to '9-9-9' tax plan?

Rick Perry is touting domestic energy production as a way to kick-start the US economy. His hope may be to match Herman Cain's '9-9-9' tax plan for voter appeal – and revive his presidential campaign.
Rick Perry's HPV vaccine problem

Rick Perry is in a political bind over ordering girls to receive injections to protect against a sexually transmitted disease. The controversy is of special interest to tea party and social conservatives.
Republican debate: Perry fends off assaults from GOP rivals

Gov. Rick Perry stood his ground, Monday, while fellow GOP candidates took numerous jabs at the front-runner.
Manufacturing Hysteria: A History of Scapegoating, Surveillance, and Secrecy in Modern America

How fear has sometimes driven America to forsake its highest ideals.
Manufacturing Hysteria: A History of Scapegoating, Surveillance, and Secrecy in Modern America

A call to arms about the government's use of scare tactics.
As congressional debt-ceiling plans founder, eyes turn to executive option

There is growing pressure on President Obama to simply declare an increase in the debt ceiling by executive order and tell everyone else: Deal with it.
On Libya, Obama has angered both sides in Congress

Congress raised few objections to presidential use of force in Afghanistan and Iraq, but the way President Obama has carried out the Libya mission has rankled both Democrats and Republicans.
How Congress's anger over Libya mission became a civics lesson

While elements of the House fume about how President Obama has handled the Libya mission, the Senate is taking a longer view, which could help Obama.
What happens if House cuts funding for Libya mission?

The House could break with tradition this week and vote to stop funding for the US mission in Libya. But that would not be the last word.
Libya conflict: Backlash ensues to Obama's refusal to seek Congress's nod

Obama says US military intervention in Libya does not require consent from Congress. Many lawmakers and pundits say otherwise. The rub is over the definition of 'hostilities.'
GOP seizes on Kucinich idea as a way to condemn Obama on Libya

A measure sponsored by Democrat Dennis Kucinich may give Republican lawmakers a way to express their growing dissatisfaction with Obama's military actions in Libya – but without criticizing the actions of US forces.
Obama calls for 'patience and persistence' in Libya. Congress calls foul.

In London, President Obama and Prime Minister David Cameron praised the NATO mission in Libya, even as US legislators condemn Obama's disregard of the War Powers Act.
Robert Reich
Rein in government contractors who use taxpayer money for political advantage

President Obama is considering an executive order to force contractors to disclose their political spending.
What US sanctions mean for Assad and Syria's crackdown

The US placed sanctions on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad yesterday for the first time since he took office. Now the EU may follow suit.
Gates, Clinton: Libya not a 'vital interest,' but US could be there for months

Secretary of Defense Gates and Secretary of State Clinton say the US-led military action in Libya is going well. But while Libya is not a 'vital interest,' the US could be there for months.
Libya intervention: Tea party and liberal Democrats make unusual allies

On Capitol Hill, the Libya intervention has elicited antiwar voices from opposite ends of the political spectrum. Their point in common: The power to make war resides with Congress.
Arizona shooting: Seven times politics turned to threats or violence last year

Saturday's shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D) of Arizona wasn't the first time in recent memory that a member of Congress has been targeted for his or her views.
'Death panels' controversy: Is Obama avoiding Congress?

The Obama administration is set to expand options for 'end of life' counseling for Medicare recipients. The White House says it's practical. Sarah Palin says it's akin to 'death panels.'
Who got pardons or clemency in 2010? A surprise list of people and animals.

From Apple and Cider to Jim Morrison, those who received reprieves this year don’t always fit the mold. Here is a look at five reprieves in 2010, plus one pending petition.
Obama expands North Korea sanctions, striking at illicit enterprises

President Obama signed an executive order Monday that adds to the list of North Korea sanctions. This one targets North Korean entities involved in activities such as drug trafficking and arms sales.
Supreme Court rules for president in separation of powers case

The Supreme Court ruled Monday that a board overseen by the Securities and Exchange Commission operated under rules that violated the Constitution's separation of powers clause.
Obama proposes to curb spending bills. No more bridges to nowhere?

US presidents have long tried to obtain some form of line-item veto power. Obama's proposal could help eliminate pork-barrel projects, but it would also mark a big change in the balance of powers.