Many Hats of the President

Constitutional Powers The President is the most powerful public official in the United States. Fewer than 50 men have been able to say what it feels like to be president. The President is the head of the executive branch. He has many different job he is expected to carryout. His main job is to execute all laws that are made by congress.

Constitutional Powers Article II gives the President more powers other than to execute laws that are passed by congress. The president can: Veto, or reject, bills passed by Congress Call Congress into special session Serve as Commander in Chief of the armed forces Receive leaders and other foreign officials of foreign countires Make treaties with other countries- with Senate approval Appoint heads of executive agencies, federal court judges, ambassadors, and other top government officials Pardon or reduce the penalties against people convicted of federal crimes

State of the Union Address The Constitution requires the President to inform congress about the “state of the union” The state of the union address, addresses the most important issues facing the nation and tell congress of new programs he would like them to pass.

Different Roles of the President The Constitution holds the President responsible for carrying out the duties of the executive branch. As the nation has grown, so has the roles of the President.

Role #1: Chief Executive This is the most important job of the president. With this, the president carrys out the laws passed by congress. To do this, the president is in charge of 15 cabinet departments and the 3 million civilians who work for the federal government. These department heads are appointed by the president. The President also has the power to appoint judges to the Supreme Court and other federal courts. These have to be approved by the Senate

Role #1: Chief Executive Having this power allows the president to appoint someone with the same ideals and views as him. Also the fact that Supreme Court justices serve for life, the president can seal his influence for decades. Presidents have serveral tools to influence how laws are carried out. One power is the executive order. Executive Orders are rules or commands that has the force of law Most executive orders deal with administrative issues, but some have a larger-scale effect.

Role #1: Chief Executive An example of this larger scale impact- President Truman intergrated the armed forces in 1948 with the use of an executive order. This gave americans of all races the opportunity to serve in the armed forces.

Role #1: Chief Executive The President can also grant pardons, or declarations of forgiveness or freedom, to those accused and charged with a crime. The President can grant pardons to a group- this is called amnesty. The President can also issue reprieves, which delay a person’s punishment. He can also issue commutes- which reduce the punishment.

Role #2: Chief Diplomat The President directs the foregin policy of the United States. He makes key decisions about how the United States acts toward other countries around the world.

Role #3: Commander in Chief The Constitution makes the President commander in chief of the armed forces. This role gives the president the ability to back up their foreign policy decisions with force if need be. President shares with congress the power to make war. Only Congress can declare war, but only the President can order American troops into battle. Congress has declared war only 5 times, but Presidents have sent troops into action more than 150 times since 1789.

Role #3: Commander in Chief In 1973, after the Vietnam War, Congress passed the War Powers Resolution. This law requires the President to notify Congress within 48 hours when troops are sent into battle. These troops must be brought home after 60 days unless Congress gives the approval for a longer stay or declares war.

Role #4: Legislative Leader Only members of Congress have the power to introduce bills to congress, but in practice Congress expects the executive branch to propose the legislation it would like to see enacted. Most of the bills that Congress considers come from the executive branch. Every president has a plan for what legislation he wants passed- this is called his legislative program. The President makes speeches to build support for the programs and meets with key senators and representatives to persuade them to supporting the proposed laws.

Role #4: Legislative Leader The President and Congress have often disagreed over what new laws Congress should adopt. One reason is that the president represents the whole country not just states or districts like members of congress. Also if they come from different political parties. Term limits cause issues as well. With the president limited to two terms they want things moving faster. With congress able to serve as long as the get reelected, they might not see the need to move it along faster.

Role #5: Head of State The President is the living symbol of our nation and represents us to the rest of the world. In this role, the president aids diplomacy by greeting visiting kings and queens, prime ministers, and other foreign leaders. The president also carries out ceremonial functions for Americans, such as lighting the national Christmas tree and giving medals to the country’s heroes.

Role #6: Economic Leader Every president tries to help the country’s economy prosper. Voters expect the president to deal with such problems as unemployment, rising prices, and high taxes. The President also must plan the federal government’s budget. He does this with the help of budget officials and decides what programs to support and what programs to cut back. Budget decisions have a great effect the national economy.

Role #7: Party Leader The President is generally considered the leader of his or her political party. Members of the party work hard to get the president elected and in return expect the president to represent them well and help fellow party members gain positions. The president makes appearances and helps raise money for candidates from his or her party.

Role #8: Judicial Leader Since the president may grant pardons, reprieves, or amnesty, he is involved in the Judicial branch. The President also may appoint Supreme Court and federal judges, giving him a great deal of influence over the courts.