Chapter 7, Section 2 The President’s Job

Main Idea In addition to the roles listed in the Constitution, the president fills other roles that are important to the functioning of our government.

I. Constitutional Powers ***The President’s main job is to carry out (enforce) laws passed by Congress.*** A. Constitution gives President power to: 1. Veto 2. Call Congress into special session 3. Serve as commander in chief 4. Receive foreign officials 5. Appoint judges 6. Pardon criminals (only federal crimes)

B. President gives the State of the Union each year B. President gives the State of the Union each year. (required by the Constitution) ***President informs the nation and Congress of important issues facing the nation and proposes new laws.***

II. Roles of the President A. As (1)Chief Executive, the president is in charge of 15 cabinet departments and more than 3 million government workers. ***President appoints the heads of the cabinet and agencies with Senate approval!***

B. The president may NOT make laws. C. Can issue executive orders. 1. Executive Order- Rules of command that have the force of law. Order # 9981

George W Bush: Executive Orders Executive Order 9981 On July 26, 1948, President Truman issued Executive Order 9981 establishing equality of treatment and opportunity in the Armed Services. (Ended segregation in the military) George W Bush: Executive Orders www.whitehouse.gov/news/orders/

D. President can appoint federal judges and Supreme Court justices. ***This is an important power because the way the Supreme Court interprets the law greatly affects America! Most presidents appoint justices who share views similar to their own*** Justices serve life terms!!!!!!!! Justice Alito (Appointed by Bush)

E. The president may issue: 1. Pardon- Declaration of forgiveness and freedom from punishment. 2. Reprieve- Order to delay a person’s punishment. 3. Amnesty- A pardon toward a group of people.

F. The president is the (2) Chief Diplomat F. The president is the (2) Chief Diplomat. The president directs foreign policy, deciding how the U.S. will act toward other countries.

G. President as (3) Commander in Chief: 1. In charge of all branches of the armed forces. ***Symbolizes civilian authority over military authority 2. Shares the power to make war with Congress 3. Only Congress can declare war, but only the president can send soldiers into battle.

H. Congress has only declared war 5 times. ***Presidents have sent troops into action more than 150 times. This situation sometimes threatens checks and balances*** 5 declared wars: War of 1812 Mexican War Spanish-American War World War I World War II

I. War Powers Act- Requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hrs when troops are sent to battle. Troops must be brought home after 60 days unless Congress approves longer stay or declares war.

J. All presidents have a legislative program that they want Congress to pass, the president is a (4) Legislative Leader. They make speeches and talk to members of Congress to build support. ***Only Congress can make laws!!!*** ***The president and Congress often disagree. A few reasons why… 1. President represents the entire nation (Congress represents their state or home district)

President can only serve 2 terms ***President can only serve 2 terms. Many members of Congress serve for decades and work much slower than the President on certain bills.*** Strom Thurmond Senator-S.C. Served 48 yrs Retired at age 100 Robert Byrd (President pro-tem) Senator- W. Va. Born: November 20, 1917, in North Wilkesboro, NC First elected 1958 Jesse Helms Senator-N.C. Served 30 yrs (1973-2003)

K. As (5) Head of State, the president hosts foreign leaders and carries out ceremonial duties. L. As the country’s (6) Economic Leader, the president must plan our federal budget (OMB) and try to deal with issues like unemployment, taxes, rising prices etc.

L. (7) Party Leader. He/She leads their political party L. (7) Party Leader. He/She leads their political party. The president gives speeches and tries to raise money to help fellow party members get elected!

Mini Quiz!!! Filter- Picture 1. In addition to Constitutional Powers, how many roles does the president serve? 2. Who has the power to declare war? 3. Can the president send troops into battle? How long before they have to return home? 4. Every year the president gives this speech to the country and Congress? 5. Why is it important that the president has the power to appoint members of the Supreme Court and federal judges?