The Job of the President

Constitutional Powers Article II of the Constitution is the source of the President’s power and authority The President fills many roles

Duties of the President President + VP are the only government officials elected by the entire nation President is the... Head of the Executive Branch Symbol of the entire nation Most powerful public official in the US President’s main job is to execute or carry out the laws passed by congress

Duties of the President The Constitution also gives the President the power to: Veto or reject bills passed in Congress Call Congress into a special session Serve as Commander in Chief of the armed forces Oversees 5 major branches of the military Decides how to deploy troops stationed around the world Receive leaders and other officials of foreign countries

Duties of the President The Constitution also gives the President the power to: Make treaties with other countries (with Senate approval) Appoint heads of executive agencies, federal court judges, ambassadors, etc. (with Senate approval) Pardon or reduce penalties against people convicted of federal crimes Address Congress with a “State of the Union” address to discuss the most important issues facing the nation

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

Roles of the President Chief Executive In charge or 15 cabinet departments (State Department, Department of Education, etc) + 4 million civilians who work for the federal gov’t Appoints head of cabinet departments and other gov’t agencies (with the approval of the Senate)

Roles of the President Chief Executive Gives Executive Orders = a rule or command that has the force of law Most solve simple administrative problems Some have great impact = 1948, President Truman orders the Armed Forces must be racially integrated

Roles of the President Chief Executive Appoints justices to the Supreme Court + judges to other federal courts Most presidents appoint Supreme Court justices who share similar views to their own Grants pardons, reprieves, and amnesty

Roles of the President Chief Diplomat Directs foreign policy, or strategy of the US Makes key decisions about how the US acts towards other countries of the world

Roles of the President Commander in Chief In charge of Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard Top commanders of all branches of the military take orders from the President President can back up foreign policy decisions with force

Roles of the President Commander in Chief President shares powers to make war with Congress Only Congress can declare war → only the President can send American troops into battle

Roles of the President Commander in Chief Congress has only declared war 5 times: War of 1812, Mexican-American War, Spanish- American War, WWI, WWII President has sent troops overseas or used military force 150+ times since 1789 Vietnam War = undeclared wars but President still sent troops to fight in those conflicts

Roles of the President Commander in Chief War Powers Resolution (1973) passed after Vietnam War Congress must be notified within 48 hours when troops are sent into battle Troops must be brought home within 60 days unless Congress approves them to stay longer/declares war

Roles of the President Legislative Leader Technically, only member of Congress have the power to introduce bills In practice, Congress expects the President to propose legislation he wants passed Every President has a legislative program = new laws he wants Congress to pass President gives speeches, meets with Congressmen to persuade them and gain support for proposed laws

Roles of the President Head of State President is living symbol of the nation Aids diplomacy by greeting kings & queens, prime ministers, and other foreign leaders Carries out ceremonial functions for Americans For example: lighting the national Christmas tree, giving medals to the country’s heroes, taking pictures with championship sports teams, etc.

Roles of the President Economic Leader Voters expect President to deal with economic problems facing the country: unemployment + rising prices + high taxes + low wages Every year, President plans the federal govt’s budget and recommends which programs to support and which to cut funding for

Roles of the President Party Leader Regarded as the leader of his/her political party Gives speeches to help party members running for office as Congressmen, governors, and mayors Helps raise money for the party