What power does the president not have regarding the Supreme Court?

• A. To appoint justices
• B. To increase the number of justices
• C. To nominate cabinet members
• D. To influence judicial decisions

Answer: (B)

The president does not have the power to increase the number of justices on the Supreme Court, as this action requires legislative approval. The Constitution grants Congress the authority to determine the size of the Court. While the president can influence the composition of the Supreme Court through appointments when vacancies arise, any change in the number of justices itself would necessitate a law passed by Congress.

In contrast, the president has the constitutional authority to appoint justices when positions become available, which directly influences the makeup of the Court. Nominating cabinet members is also a power granted explicitly to the president, who can select individuals for key administrative positions. While the president can attempt to influence judicial decisions indirectly through public opinion or by advocating for certain policies, this is not the same as having direct power over the Court's rulings, which ultimately fall to the justices themselves. Thus, the option regarding increasing the number of justices is the one that is not within the president's powers.