What is the President’s job description? Roles of the President What is the President’s job description?

Head of State The President represents the US in their negotiations with other countries. The President represents the US in many ceremonial roles, such as attending funerals of important people, throwing out the first pitch of the season in baseball, and giving awards to distinguished people.

Chief Executive The President makes sure all laws are carried out. There are over 2 million people employed by the executive office work to enforce the laws Congress passes, all of whom are the responsibility of the President. However, the President does not DIRECTLY oversee the majority of those posts. To make sure that laws are carried out, the President has an arsenal of weapons at this command: 1) executive orders-these are rules that the President comes up with must be obeyed. 2) appointment-the President appoints people to important positions like the Cabinet, and mny other federal positions. He or she can also FIRE those officials. 3) appointments to the federal courts-Presidents appoint all federal judges, so they can appoint judges whose political views they like in order to influence court decisions.

Chief Executive cont. 4) amnesty-Presidents can grant amnesty to groups of people for offenses they have committed against the government. This means they are legally “forgiven” for that offense. For example, President Carter granted amnesty to all men who evaded the draft during Vietnam, which is illegal. 5) Pardons and Reprieves-the President can grant pardons and reprieves for any federal crimes, except in cases of impeachment. Reprieves postpone legal punishment, pardons eliminate the punishment altogether. 6) impoundment-the President can refuse to let a federal department or agency spend the money that Congress has given them, which, if effect, shuts that department down. For example, in 1803, Thomas Jefferson impounded the Navy’s budget for new ships until they found a more cost-effective ship design.

Chief Legislator The President can propose legislation to Congress. A lot of the legislation that Congress reviews each year comes from the President, and reflects the views and agendas of his/her party. It is particularly difficult for a President to find success in this role if Congress is dominated by the opposing political party (For example, a Republican president submitting legislation to a Democrat-controlled Congress).

Economic Planner The President submits an annual budget to Congress. Beginning with Franklin Delano Roosevelt during the Great Depression (1929-1944), Presidents have taken an increasing role in planning the US economy. This is based on the Employment Act of 1946, which requires the President to submit an annual economic report to Congress and created a Council of Economic Advisers to study the economy and help prepare a report for the president. This law made it the responsibility of the federal government to promote high employment, production, and purchasing power.

Chief Diplomat The President directs the foreign policy of the US and makes key decisions about our relationships with other countries. Presidents make treaties, officially recognize foreign governments (or refuse to), and can make executive agreements with foreign nations (these are like treaties, except Senate doesn’t have to approve them). Congress also has powers related to foreign policy, such as setting policy for foreign trade, approving treaties, and declaring war. The President has taken an increasingly dominant role in foreign relations over the last 100 years, largely due to his/her timely access to classified information, which most members of Congress do not have.

Commander-in-Chief Presidents are the civilian leader of the US military. This means they can command troops to go where they want, but if they send them for more than 90 days, they have to have Congressional approval, as only Congress can officially declare war. Generals, admirals, and other military leaders run the day-to-day operations of the 4 branches of US military, but the President is responsible for making all key military decisions that reflect US foreign policy, like whether or not to send troops to an area. This is why the PRESIDENT ordered airstrikes against ISIS in Iraq.

What other duties? Appoint federal judges Appoint cabinet members Appoint the Attorney General Make sure that all laws are faithfully and fully executed (enforce laws) He can propose policy changes Makes State of the Union Address to keep Congress up-to-date on the state of the nation Can pardon criminals, except for treason

So what does this gig pay? $400,000 annual taxable salary + $100,000 nontaxable travel expenses Benefits: Air Force One, helicopters, limos, drivers Secret Service Free medical, dental, and health care Free housing in a 132-room mansion Life-time pension of $148,000/year Upon former President’s death, spouse receives $20,000/year for life

What else happens if Pres dies? Succession: VP Speak of the House President pro tempore of Senate Secretary of State Other cabinet members in order of the creation of their department

So, VP gets to be Pres if Pres dies. What else is he/she good for? President of Senate-gets to be the tie-breaker in a Senate tie. Anything the President assigns him or her to do. Often given special assignments for creating policy Often represent US in foreign affairs