The role of a president is one of immense power and responsibility. Yet, no matter how powerful a president may seem, that power is not absolute. Constitutions, legal frameworks, democratic norms, and historical precedents place clear boundaries around presidential authority.
In this article, we explore 10 things presidents can never do while in office, whether due to legal constraints, ethical boundaries, or the fundamental principles of democracy. These prohibitions help preserve freedom, ensure checks and balances, and protect the rights of citizens.
1. Rule Without Limits
No democratic president is a monarch. Even in systems where the executive has significant influence, presidents are bound by law and oversight. In the United States, the Constitution prevents any president from becoming an authoritarian ruler.
Presidents can’t override Congress at will, ignore the judiciary, or impose laws unilaterally. Executive orders, for example, are limited in scope and can be challenged in court or overturned by administrations. Democracies are built on checks and balances, meaning presidents have to work alongside lawmakers and courts. If a president tries to act like a dictator, you can expect protests, lawsuits, and maybe even impeachment.
2. Suspend Elections or Cancel the Transfer of Power
One of the clearest lines presidents can never cross is postponing or canceling elections. Democratic systems rely on regular, free, and fair elections to legitimize leadership. In the U.S., the president has no authority to delay national elections because that power lies with the Congress.
Similarly, presidents can’t refuse to leave office after losing an election. Peaceful transfer of power is a cornerstone of democracy. Any attempt to undermine or obstruct this process would not only violate democratic norms but could also cause a constitutional crisis or legal prosecution.
3. Override the Constitution
No matter the circumstances, presidents can’t override constitutional protections. The Constitution is the supreme law of the country, and presidents swear an oath to uphold it. This includes safeguarding the Bill of Rights, such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, the right to due process, and equal protection under the law.
Even during times of war or national emergency, constitutional rights can’t be abolished. Presidents might seek temporary emergency powers, but these are subject to legal limits and review. Any abuse of such powers can result in legal action or impeachment.
4. Use the Military Against Civilians Without Reason
Presidents serve as commander-in-chief of the armed forces, but they can’t deploy the military against civilians at will. Laws like the Posse Comitatus Act in the U.S. strictly limit the use of military forces in domestic law enforcement.
Deploying troops to suppress protests or enforce laws without congressional or judicial approval is a violation of legal norms and civil rights. Presidents must rely on local law enforcement, the National Guard, or specific congressional approval for exceptional use of military force on domestic soil.
Any attempt to militarize politics or intimidate citizens through military presence can lead to massive political and legal repercussions.
5. Get Rich from Public Office
Presidents are public servants, not monarchs or CEOs. They are prohibited from using the office to get themselves, their families, or their businesses rich. In the U.S., the Emoluments Clause of the Constitution prohibits federal officials from receiving gifts or payments from foreign states without congressional consent.
Modern ethical norms say that presidents divest from private business interests, avoid conflicts of interest, and refrain from using public resources for personal gain.
If a president seeks to monetize the presidency, whether by steering contracts to their businesses or accepting foreign payments, they risk being investigated, lawsuits, and potential impeachment.
6. Fire Anyone Without Cause
While presidents appoint many officials, especially in the executive branch, they can’t fire everyone at will. There are legal protections for certain government employees, judges, and independent agency heads.
For example, federal judges serve lifetime appointments and can only be removed through impeachment. Special prosecutors or inspectors general often have statutory protections to shield them from politically motivated firings
If a president attempts to purge political opponents or obstruct investigations by firing officials, they might face legal consequences or obstruction of justice charges.
7. Declare War Without Congressional Approval
Presidents can respond to immediate threats and order military actions, but declaring war is the responsibility of the legislature. In the U.S., Article I of the Constitution gives Congress the sole power to declare war.
Presidents often deploy troops in limited engagements under the War Powers Resolution, but sustained military campaigns require the Congress’ approval. This check ensures that the nation does not enter long conflicts without public debate and accountability.
Presidents who overstep this authority risk political backlash, legal challenges, and public protest, as seen in the Vietnam War and more recently in Iraq and Afghanistan.
8. Ignore Court Rulings
Presidents must respect the decisions of the judiciary. If a court rules that an executive action is unconstitutional, the president can’t ignore or override that ruling. Defiance of the courts undermines the rule of law and constitutes a grave abuse of power.
Historical moments such as the Supreme Court’s ruling in United States v. Nixon (1974) underscore this limit. The Court ordered President Nixon to release the Watergate tapes, and he complied, ultimately leading to his resignation. No president is above the law, and ignoring court orders is both illegal and a threat to constitutional order.
9. Criminalize Political Dissent
Free speech and political dissent are protected rights in democracies. Presidents can’t criminalize criticism, shut down media outlets, or silence political opponents without due process. Doing so would violate the First Amendment, international human rights norms, and basic democratic values.
Efforts to label dissent as treason or to use the justice system as a weapon against political adversaries are specific to authoritarian regimes, not functioning democracies. Presidents are expected to uphold freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, and freedom of expression, even when those freedoms are used to criticize them.
10. Stay in Office Indefinitely
One of the most fundamental limits on presidential power is term limits. In the U.S., the 22nd Amendment limits presidents to two terms in office. This ensures regular leadership turnover and prevents the emergence of a permanent ruling class.
While some countries have different rules, democratic systems worldwide have term limits or mechanisms for leadership change. Attempts to amend constitutions or manipulate election laws to stay in power indefinitely are widely condemned and often trigger civil unrest or international sanctions. Presidents who respect term limits reinforce the strength of their democracy. Those who attempt to stay indefinitely betray it.
Power with Limits
The presidency is a powerful office, but in a democracy, it is power bounded by law, ethics, and accountability. These ten things a president can never do serve as guardians that protect citizens, preserve democratic institutions, and ensure that no leader becomes above the law.
In the modern age, where political power is under constant scrutiny, these prohibitions are more important than ever. They remind us that democracy depends not just on who leads, but how they lead and what they are never allowed to do.
Do you want to read more about the presidents of the United States? Here’s a great book that can be found on Amazon: Our Country’s Presidents: A Complete Encyclopedia of the U.S. Presidency.
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