Which of the following accurately compares formal and informal powers of the president?

The choice highlighting the comparison of acting as commander in chief and signing executive agreements effectively illustrates the distinction between formal and informal powers of the president.

The role of commander in chief is a formal power explicitly granted to the president by the Constitution, enabling the president to lead the military and make pivotal decisions regarding national defense and military operations. This authority is defined and constrained by law, illustrating its formal nature.

In contrast, signing executive agreements represents an informal power. While the Constitution requires that treaties be ratified by the Senate, executive agreements do not require such approval and can be made unilaterally by the president to manage international relations. This ability emphasizes the president's capacity to act quickly and decisively in foreign policy matters without needing the lengthy treaty process, showcasing a more flexible and informal exercise of presidential authority.

This comparison effectively highlights the distinction between powers that are constitutionally defined (formal) and those that have developed through tradition and practice (informal).