About one-third increase to the size of the United States. The states of Nevada, Arizona, California, Utah and some parts of New Mexico and the Gadsden purchase completes the southern parts of Arizona and New Mexico. This land is from Mexico acquired by the United States.
Federal budget is dependent on many factors one of which is the priority of the state. When there is a need to increase the level of defense, the budget for defense must be increased. This increase in budget translates to a decrease in budget in another area. If the budget for transportation can be reduced and still be able to implement the planned projects, then the budget for transportation will be reduced.
The president cannot make laws. Only the legislative branch (the Congress) can make laws. But the president can certainly veto laws and make official appointments. And as commander-in-chief of the military, the president also oversees the armed forces. So the only power in your list that the president does NOT have is to make laws.
