Three Things a President Cannot Do

March 23, 2026

There is a common misconception that the president of the United States has unlimited power. The Constitution says otherwise.

Here are three things a president cannot do:

1. Cancel or postpone federal elections
The timing of federal elections is set by law and administered by the states. The Constitution does not give the president authority to delay or cancel them — even in times of crisis.

2. Make laws alone
Under our system, laws must be passed by Congress. A president can propose policies and issue executive orders, but those actions must be grounded in existing law and are subject to judicial review.

3. Ignore the other branches without consequence
The Constitution divides power among three branches. Courts can review and block presidential actions. Congress controls funding, conducts oversight, and, in appropriate circumstances, may pursue impeachment. The system is designed so that no single branch governs alone.

The presidency is powerful — but it was never meant to be unlimited. The Constitution reflects a deliberate choice to divide power, not concentrate it.