The Executive Branch

Question: Why did the framers of the Constitution add an executive to the American system of government?

I. The Paradox A. The presidency is often portrayed as the most important and powerful person in the world and we expect our presidents to do great things…..

However Americans do not like a concentration of power in any office including the executive. B. The power of the president is limited by -Checks and Balances -Separation of Powers -Federalism -Government agencies

II. Duties of the President Chief of State -ceremonial head of government

B. Chief Executive -execute the law and organize the executive office.

C. Chief Legislator Modern presidents have taken the lead in legislating and now send proposals to Congress. a. To be successful presidents must take advantage of their “honeymoon” in the first years of their presidency. b. Presidents use the bully pulpit to set the political agenda and encourage Congress to debate an issue.

c. Can use the threat of a veto to get legislation that is favorable to him or her. d. In the 1990s Congress attempted to give the President a line-item veto, but the Supreme Court ruled it unconstitutional. -was designed to limit pork barrel spending.

D. Party Leader A. The President is the only nationally-elected party leader. All other positions, such as Speaker of the House are chosen by the individual parties.

E. Chief Diplomat A. President takes the lead role in American defense and foreign policy.