The President’s Roles Only one person is President at any time. The President has many different roles to fill. The President is Chief of State—ceremonial head of the government of the United States. The President is the Chief Executive—vested by the Constitution with “the executive power” of the United States—He lives in an environment of checks and balances. The President is the chief administrator— directs the federal government.

The President’s Roles The President is the chief diplomat—the main architect of American foreign policy. The President is the commander in chief of the nation’s armed forces. The President is the chief legislator—sets overall shape of Congressional agenda since he initiates and recommends Congressional legislation. The President is chief of party—leader of the political party in control of the executive branch. The President is the chief citizen—represents all the people of the country and serve the public interests.

The Formal Qualifications The President must be a natural born citizen of the United States. The President must be at least 35 years old— John F. Kennedy was the youngest person elected at age 43. Theodore Roosevelt was the youngest to become president at age 42 when he replaced William McKinley. Ronald Reagan was the oldest elected at age 69. The President must have resided in this country for 14 years—may be any 14 years of a person’s life.

The Presidential Term The presidential term is four years. George Washington served two terms, thus beginning the tradition of Presidents serving no more than two terms. Franklin Roosevelt broke the two term tradition by serving a third term in 1940 and beginning a fourth term in In 1951 the Twenty-Second Amendment was added to the Constitution that stated that a person could only serve two terms as President. Some have called for repealing the Twenty-Second Amendment on the grounds that it limits the people’s right to decide who should serve.

Pay and Benefits The presidential salary is determined by Congress and can be neither raised nor lowered during a presidential term. In 1789 the President earned $ a year. Today the President earns $400, a year. Congress also gives the President a $50, expense account per year. The President enjoys many other benefits such as: --the White House --Air force One --Camp David --Marine One --Finest medical and dental care --travel and entertainment funds

Camp David

The White House

Air Force One

Marine One

The White House Website