The Roles of the President

Role: Chief of State Acts as example for and symbol of the United States Represents America at special occasions and ceremonies.

Role: Chief of State Decorating War Hero's Dedicating parks Receiving visiting heads of state Going on official visits to other countries

Role: Chief Executive Acts as boss of federal government workers in 14 executive departments. These departments help the President carry out, enforce, or execute the law. The president chooses cabinet members to advise and assist him. Example: Holding cabinet meetings and appointing federal officials.

The Chief Executive The Offices of the Executive Branch are found in the White House and other federal buildings in Washington D.C.

The Chief Executive Power to Grant Reprieves and Pardons President Harry Truman commuted the death sentence of his own would-be assassin. In 1952, a man named Oscar Collazo tried to gun Truman down as part of a scheme to raise support for the Puerto Rican independence movement. The president was unharmed in the attack, and he later saved Collazo from death row by reducing his sentence to life in prison.

The Chief Executive John F. Kennedy Pardoned, commuted or rescinded the convictions of 575 people during his term.[15] Among them are: First-time offenders convicted of crimes under the Narcotics Control Act of 1956 – pardoned all, in effect overturning much of the law passed by Congress

The Chief Executive Richard Nixon Pardoned, commuted or rescinded the convictions of 926 people during his term.[15] Among them are: Jimmy Hoffa - convicted of fraud and bribery – sentence commuted (with conditions) on December 23, 1971 William Calley - convicted of murder for his involvement in the My Lai Massacre, pardoned in 1974 after serving 3 years' house arrest

The Chief Executive Gerald Ford Pardoned, commuted or rescinded the convictions of 409 people during his term. Among them was: Richard Nixon – Granted a full and unconditional pardon just before he could be indicted

The Chief Executive Jimmy Carter Vietnam draft dodgers – Unconditional amnesty issued in the form of a pardon Jefferson Davis – President of the Confederate States of America

Role: Chief Diplomat Conducts foreign policy by directing the actions of American ambassadors. Signs treaties and trade agreements with leaders of other nations.

Role: Commander-In-Chief In charge of US Armed Forces. President decides where armed forces are to be stationed, weapons to be used. Secretary of Defense under President. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs is the top military commander under President.

Role: Chief Legislator Congress has the power to make laws. President can propose bills and must sign bills into law. He often calls members of Congress to lobby for his agenda. Presents his agenda to Congress in the annual State of the Union address.

Role: Chief Legislator

Role: Chief Legislator President Reagan before a joint-session of Congress.

Role: Chief of the Party Presidents help members of their party get elected or appointed to office. They make campaign speeches needed for re-election. Head of fund-raising for the party.

Chief Guardian of the Economy Monitors unemployment, Inflation, taxation, business, and general welfare of the nation. He does not control the economy, but he gets credit if it goes well.

The Presidency Why do you think it is the most visible part of the American political system? Does the President really serve the needs of the American people? How does the office of the Presidency actually help the American people?