The Job of the President

The Job of the President Presidential thoughts: “Frankly, being President is rather unattractive business unless one relishes the exercise of power. That is a thing that never greatly appealed to me.”- Warren G Harding

The Job of the President President is the most powerful public official in the United States. The Constitution is the basis of presidential power under Article II The President’s job is to execute or carry out the laws passed by Congress.

The Constitutional Powers To veto or reject bills. Call Congress into special session. Be Commander in Chief of the armed forces. Receive leaders of foreign countries With Senate approval, make treaties with foreign countries.

The Constitutional Powers 6. Appoint heads of executive agencies with Senate approval. 7. Appoint federal judges with Senate approval. 8. Appoint ambassadors with Senate approval.

The Constitutional Powers 9. Appoint top government officials also with senate approval. 10. Pardon or reduce penalties against people convicted of federal crimes.

The Constitutional Powers The Constitution requires the President to give Congress information about the “State of the Union”. In this speech the President lays out the most important issues facing the country.

The Role of the President Some of the Roles come from the Constitution directly. Other roles are not specified within the Constitution.

The Role of Chief Executive Most important role is to carry out the laws passed by Congress. To do this he has 14 cabinet departments and about 4,000,000 people to carry out the law.

The Role of Chief Executive An important power to carry out is the President’s power to Issue executive orders. Executive orders have the force of law. These orders are not passed by Congress.

The Role of Chief Executive The Constitution gives the power to appoint judges to the Supreme Court with Senate approval. The Constitution gives the power to grant pardons, Grant reprieves, and grant amnesty.

The Role of Chief Diplomat The President directs the foreign policy of the U.S. making decisions on how we as a country act towards foreign countries.

The Role of Commander in Chief As Commander in Chief of the armed forces allows the President to back up foreign policy with force if necessary upon Congressional approval. Congress and the President share the power to declare war.

The Role of Commander in Chief Congress has declared war only 8 times: War of 1812 War with Mexico 1836 Spanish Amer. War 1898 World War I 1917 World War II 1941 The Gulf War 1991 War in Iraq 2003 War in Afghanistan 2001

The Role of Commander in Chief Presidents have sent American forces into action more than 150 times, creating Constitutional issues. 1973 the War Powers Act was passed making it the law that the President must notify Congress within 48 hours if troops are to be sent into battle. These troops must be brought home within 60 days unless Congress gives its approval to stay longer.

The Role of Legislative Leader Most bills Congress considers comes from the executive branch. Only members of Congress can introduce bills. All presidents have legislative programs

The Role of Legislative Leader Presidents will make speeches to build support for legislation. The President may appoint staff to work with Congress on legislation.

The Role of Head of State In this role the President pursues diplomacy through greeting and entertaining kings, queens and other heads states. President may also perform ceremonial functions also.

The Role of Economic Leader Presidents are suppose to try help the country to economically prosper. Voters expect the president to deal with unemployment, inflation, and high taxes. The President is responsible for planning the federal budget.

The Role of Party Leader The President is regarded as the leader of his political party. Members of the party work hard to elect the President. In turn the President will give speeches in support of party members and their elections.