The President’s Job Chapter 7 Section 2

Words to Know Executive Order: A rule of command that has the force of law. Pardon: A declaration of forgiveness and freedom from punishment. Reprieve: An order to delay a person’s punishment until a higher court can hear the case. Amnesty: A pardon to a group of people.

Constitutional Powers President: Most powerful public official in the U.S. Constitution gives the president his power Article II: “Executive power shall be invested in a President…” President’s main job is to execute, or carry out, the laws passed by Congress. President gives Congress info. about the “state of the union” several times per year: Most important “State of the Union” address Discuss most important issues facing nation and describes legislation he/she would like Congress to take up.

Constitutional Powers cont. Power given to president by Constitution: Veto bill passed by Congress Call Congress into special session Commander in Chief of Armed Forces Receive leaders/officials from foreign countries Make Treaties with other Countries Appoint heads of executive agencies, federal court judges, ambassadors, and other top govt. officials Pardon

Roles of the President Chief Executive Chief Diplomat Commander in Chief Legislative Leader Head of State Economic Leader Party Leader

Chief Executive Most important role of president: Carrying out laws passed by Congress President is in charge of 15 cabinet departments And about 3 million civilians who work for Fed. Govt. Important role for carrying out laws: Issuing executive orders Grant pardons Issue reprieves Grant amnesty

Chief Diplomat Directs foreign policy in U.S. Makes key decisions about how the U.S. acts towards other countries in the world

Commander in Chief In charge of nations armed forces Gives president the ability to back up foreign policy by using force The top commanders of the armed forces are subordinates of the president Congress and the President share power to make war: Constitution gives Congress the power to declare war; only president can order military into battle Congress has only declared war 15 times: President has sent troops into action 150 times since 1789

Legislative Leader Most bills sent to Congress come from the Executive branch Every president has a legislative program New laws president wants Congress to pass President makes speeches to build support for the program and tries to persuade senators and reps. To support them President and Congress often disagree: President represents entire country Congress represents the people of their state/district

Head of State President is a living symbol of the U.S. President aids diplomacy by: Visiting kings and queens Prime ministers Other foreign leaders Carries out ceremonial functions for Americans: Lighting national Christmas tree Giving medals to country’s heroes

Economic Leader President tries to help country’s economy prosper Voters want president to deal with problems such as: Unemployment Rising prices High taxes President plan federal government’s yearly budget

Party Leader President is regarded as the leader of their political party: Members of the party work towards getting their members elected President in turn gives speeches to party members to help them get elected to office President helps party members raise money

Homework Chapter 7 Section 2 Worksheets