Omar Bennett
The U.S. Constitution outlines the power to call special sessions of Congress, ensuring the Executive Branch can work with the Legislative Branch during critical times. The President, as the head of the Executive Branch, has the authority to call Congress into a special session during urgent situations or emergencies. This power is derived from Article II, Section 3 of the Constitution, which states that the President can on extraordinary occasions, convene both Houses or either of them. While the President has frequently used this power, it is worth noting that their power to adjourn the Houses has never been exercised. Additionally, in every U.S. state, special sessions may be called, but in some states, like Alabama, California, and Texas, this power rests solely with the governor.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can call a special session | The President, who is part of the Executive Branch |
| When can a special session be called | When there is an urgent need or extraordinary occasion |
| Who can also call a special session | The legislature's speaker or presiding officer, or by vote of the legislature during a regular session |
| Which states' governors can call a special session | Alabama, Arkansas, California, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, and Vermont |
| How often can the President of India call Parliament | No more than once every six months |
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What You'll Learn
The President's legislative role
The President is recognised as the leader of their party, and their legislative role has expanded with the emergence of parties and the National Nominating Convention and Party Platform. The President is expected to be both a national and international leader, and their legislative agenda is often shaped by their unique initiatives. For instance, President Dwight Eisenhower proposed an interstate highway system, while John Kennedy prioritised space exploration.
The President's legislative influence is evident in their ability to shape what bills are passed. They introduce important bills, such as the annual federal budget, and their legislative achievements contribute significantly to their legacy. For example, Franklin Roosevelt is remembered for Social Security, Lyndon Johnson for civil rights, and Ronald Reagan for tax cuts.
Additionally, the President can summon both Houses or either of them for legislative purposes or to consider nominations and treaties. This power, derived from Article II, Section 3 of the Constitution, has been exercised 46 times for the Senate and 28 times for both Chambers of Congress. The President can also adjourn the Houses, although this power has never been used.
The Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970 mandates that Congress adjourns annually by July 31 unless there is a declared war or another provision is made. In odd-numbered years, Congress must take an August recess if it fails to adjourn by the deadline. The President's authority to summon Congress for a special session in emergency circumstances is recognised in the Constitution.
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Article II, Section 3 of the Constitution
Article II, Section 3 of the United States Constitution outlines the President's legislative role and duties. The first clause of this section directs the President to report to Congress on the state of the union, a duty that serves as the formal basis of their legislative leadership.
The second clause of Article II, Section 3, grants the President the authority to "on extraordinary occasions, convene both Houses or either of them". This power allows the President to call for a special session of Congress when it is adjourned, in urgent or extraordinary situations that demand immediate congressional action. For instance, Congress was convened after the September 11 attacks to address pressing national security issues.
The President's ability to convene special sessions of Congress is not limited to national emergencies. They can also call for such sessions when there is important legislation that requires immediate attention and action from Congress. This power has been exercised numerous times throughout history, including by Harry Truman in 1948.
Article II, Section 3, also gives the President the power to adjourn the Houses of Congress, although this power has never been exercised. The President's legislative role has evolved significantly since 1900, reflecting changes in political and social dynamics.
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The Executive Branch
The US Constitution's Article II, Section 3, outlines the Executive Branch's role in calling special sessions of Congress. This branch, led by the President, is empowered to convene Congress in extraordinary situations requiring immediate attention.
Article II, Section 3, of the US Constitution, grants the President, as head of the Executive Branch, the authority to "on extraordinary occasions, convene both Houses or either of them." This power is reserved for urgent matters or extraordinary situations necessitating congressional action, especially when Congress is adjourned. The President's ability to call special sessions reflects their legislative role and duty to address critical issues.
Historically, Presidents have exercised this power 46 times to recall only the Senate and 28 times to recall both Chambers of Congress. Notably, Harry Truman was the last President to do so in 1948. The President's discretion in calling special sessions ensures effective collaboration between the Executive and Legislative Branches during pivotal moments.
The President's legislative role has evolved significantly since 1900, influenced by political and social forces. The emergence of parties and the recognition of the President as the party leader have contributed to this expansion. Additionally, the introduction of the National Nominating Convention, the Party Platform, and the Spoils System enhanced the President's legislative influence.
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Urgent need
The US Constitution gives the President the power to call for a special session of Congress in urgent or extraordinary situations. This power is derived from Article II, Section 3 of the US Constitution, which states that the President may, "on extraordinary occasions, convene both Houses or either of them." This provision ensures that the Executive Branch can effectively collaborate with the Legislative Branch during critical times.
The President's authority to convene a special session is typically exercised during times of urgency or when there are important issues requiring immediate attention from lawmakers. For instance, a special session may be called in response to a pressing national crisis, such as the post-9/11 response, where Congress addressed urgent national security legislation and responses. Similarly, if the President has specific legislation they want Congress to act on without delay, they can summon a special session to ensure Congress meets to discuss and vote on the matter.
The President's legislative role has evolved significantly since 1900, influenced by political and social forces. This includes the emergence of political parties and the recognition of the President as the party leader, as well as the introduction of the National Nominating Convention and the Spoils System. These factors have contributed to the expansion of the President's legislative duties and responsibilities.
In addition to the President, the power to call special sessions of Congress may also lie with the legislature's speaker or presiding officer, or through a vote of the legislature during a regular session. In certain US states, the governor has the sole authority to call a special session, while in others, this power is shared between the governor and the legislature.
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Historical instances
According to Article II, Section 3 of the United States Constitution, the President of the United States has the power to call for a special session of Congress in urgent or extraordinary situations that require congressional action when Congress is adjourned. This power has been exercised 46 times to recall only the Senate and 28 times to recall both Chambers of Congress.
One notable example of a president calling for a special session of Congress is President Harry S. Truman, who did so twice during the 80th Congress. The first session took place from November 17 to December 19, 1947, and the second from July 26 to August 7, 1948. These sessions are considered extensions of the regular session rather than separately numbered sessions, as Congress had wrapped up its business for the year but had not officially adjourned sine die.
Additionally, in certain US states, the power to call a special session rests solely with the governor. These states include Alabama, Arkansas, California, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, and Vermont. In contrast, the other 37 states allow both the governor and the legislature to call for a special session.
The Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970 sets specific requirements for Congressional adjournment. According to this Act, Congress must adjourn sine die by July 31 of each year unless there is a declared war or other exceptional circumstances. If Congress fails to adjourn by this date in odd-numbered years, it must take an August recess.
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Frequently asked questions
The President of the United States, as part of the Executive Branch, has the power to call Congress into a special session.
The President can call a special session when there is an urgent need or national emergency. For example, Congress was called into a special session after the September 11 attacks to address urgent national security legislation.
During a special session, Congress addresses the issues the President deems urgent and may discuss and vote on specific legislation.
