American Government Content Statement 5 The President’s Job Mr. Leasure 2014 – 2015 Harrison Career Center

What are the powers assigned to the president by the Constitution? Key Question #1

..powers assigned to the president? The president’s main job is to carry out the laws passed by Congress.

..powers assigned to the president? The Constitution gives the president power to veto, call Congress into special session, serve as commander in chief, and receive foreign officials.

..powers assigned to the president? The president can make treaties, appoint judges and top government officials, and pardon convicted criminals.

..powers assigned to the president? In the State of the Union address each year, the president informs Congress of important issues facing the nation and proposes new legislative programs.

What are the various roles filled by the president? Key Question #2

roles filled by the president? As Chief Executive, the president is in charge of 14 cabinet departments and more than 3 million government workers.

roles filled by the president? The president appoints the heads of cabinet departments and large agencies, with Senate approval.

roles filled by the president? The president may not make laws but can issue executive orders - rules or commands that have the force of law.

roles filled by the president? The president can appoint federal judges, including Supreme Court justices.

roles filled by the president? This power is important because the way the Supreme Court interprets laws greatly affects life in the United States.

roles filled by the president? Most presidents appoint justices who share views similar to their own.

roles filled by the president? The president may grant pardons, or declarations of forgiveness and freedom from punishment.

roles filled by the president? The president may issue a reprieve, an order to delay a person’s punishment until a higher court can hear the case.

roles filled by the president? The president may also grant amnesty, a pardon toward a group of people.

roles filled by the president? The president directs foreign policy, deciding how the United States will act toward other countries.

roles filled by the president? As commander in chief, the president is in charge of all branches of the armed forces.

roles filled by the president? Congress and the president share the power to make war.

roles filled by the president? Only Congress can declare war, but only the president can order soldiers into battle.

roles filled by the president? Congress has declared war only five times, yet presidents have sent troops into action more than 150 times.

roles filled by the president? This situation may threaten the system of checks and balances.

roles filled by the president? After the undeclared Vietnam War, Congress passed the War Powers Act.

roles filled by the president? This law requires the president to notify Congress immediately when troops are sent into battle.

roles filled by the president? The troops must be brought home after 60 days unless Congress approves a longer stay or declares war.

roles filled by the president? Only Congress may introduce bills, but the executive branch proposes most legislation.

roles filled by the president? All presidents have a legislative program that they want Congress to pass.

roles filled by the president? They make speeches and talk to key members of Congress to build support for their programs.

roles filled by the president? The president’s staff works on the laws with members of Congress.

roles filled by the president? As head of state, the president hosts visiting foreign leaders and carries out ceremonial functions, such as giving medals to the country’s heroes.

roles filled by the president? As the country’s economic leader, the president must plan the federal budget and try to deal with such problems as unemployment, rising prices, and high taxes.

roles filled by the president? The president is the leader of his or her political party. The party helps the president get elected.

roles filled by the president? In return, the president gives speeches to raise money and help fellow party members win office.