7.2 President’s Job

 Constitutional Powers  Duties  Only official of fed. gov’t elected by the whole nation  Main job is to carry out the laws passed by Congress

 Constitution powers:  Veto bills  Call Congress into special session  Commander in chief of armed forces  Welcome leaders of other nations  Make treaties (with Senate’s ok)  Appoint officials  Judges, ambassadors, etc., (w/Senate approval)  Pardon people convicted of fed crimes

 Requires a State of the Union Address  Speech to congress  Discuss important issues  Roles of the Pres.  Chief Executive  In charge of 15 departments  In charge of 3 million civilian workers  Has executive order  Has force of law  Can pardon, issue reprieve, grant amnesty

 Diplomat  Directs foreign policy  How we act towards other countries  Commander in Chief  Back up foreign policy w/force if needed  Power to make war  Only Congress can declare it though  Only Pres. Can send troops into battle

 Legislative Leader  Proposes legislation  Asks for support for legislation  Head of State  Living symbol of nation  Meets dignitaries from other countries  Ceremonial functions  Give medals to heroes  Lay wreaths at graves  Light nation’s Christmas tree

 Economic Leader  Plans fed. Budget  Tries to correct economic problems  Unemployment, inflation, recession, etc.  Party Leader  Head of his political party  Works to get his party members elected  Raise money, etc.