THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH HIGHLIGHTS

Move to Modern Day Presidents Prior to Franklin Roosevelt ( ), most presidents were considered “chief clerks,” where they carried out the will of Congress With Roosevelt’s election, he transformed the role of president by presenting bills to Congress, got many New Deals passed, and expanded his influence during WWII Since that time, modern presidents have worked to expand or use their power in variety of ways; no longer the “chief clerks” of the legislative branch

Roles of the Modern President Chief Executive: presides over the federal bureaucracy; appoints some 2,000 federal officials; issues executive orders Chief of State: acts as ceremonial leader of government; represents United states at official functions at home and abroad; promotes national spirit Commander in Chief: acts as head of armed forces; is responsible for operations of the U.S. military and security of the nation; can commit troops to action without a formal declaration of war

Roles of the Modern President Chief Diplomat: oversees U.S. foreign policy; Talks with foreign leaders Negotiates treaties Chief Policymaker: sets policy agenda for Congress in State of the Union address; proposes legislation; can call Congress into special session; can veto bills passed by Congress Chief Manager of the Economy: works with Congress to write the federal budget; Works with Congress to set tax policy; Appoints members of the Federal Reserve

Roles of the Modern President Chief of Party: is the leader of his or her political party; works to ensure that the party does well in congressional elections; typically rewards loyal party members with political favors or appointments Chief Citizen: embodies American ideals; serves the nation by acting in its best interests; informs, inspires and comforts American people in times of crisis

Presidental checks and balances: President can check the power of the legislative branch by approving or vetoing legislation passed by Congress Invoke executive privelege Check the power of the judicial branch by nominating judges to the Supreme court and other federal courts

WIO: Presidential Roles Pick the top three roles (in your opinion) that modern presidents fulfill. Then draw a symbol for each choice, and then explain why you believe that is a top role of the president.