Powers and Roles of the President 8 Slides after this
Nation’s Chief Executive Given Power of Nation’s Chief Executive. Because of this, he must take an active role in all phases of government Daily Life = nonstop and constantly around people Meet Congress members Advocate political party agenda Meet with policy makers Give speeches Press Conferences Ceremonies Many Other duties
Legislative Leader Constitution states “shall from time to time give to Congress information of the state of the Union, and recommend to Congress such measures he shall judge necessary…” 1. Suggests or recommends laws 2. Several speeches throughout the year 3. January delivers the State of the Union Address – sets forth programs and policies the president wants Congress to put into effect. 4. Sends Congress his budget recommendations, usually effecting the economy and government spending 5. Veto power and power to sign bills into law
Commander in Chief Head of the US Armed Forces, or Commander in Chief. All military officers take orders from the president – final decisions in war plans ONLY CONGRESS CAN DECLARE WAR! President can send troops into foreign lands if danger threatens War Powers Act 1973 limits president’s military power Can only send troops for 60 days unless Congress approves further action This can be extended to 90 days if safe removal of American troops is in question
Foreign Policy Leader Most powerful office in the world, he must give attention to foreign policy – nation’s plan for dealing with other nation’s of the world Seeks secure friendly relations with foreign governments while preserving the security of the US Appoints Ambassadors – highest-ranking US officials in foreign nations Form treaties – written agreements, with other nations All treaties must be made with advise and consent of Senate. Senate must approve 2/3 vote.
Chief Diplomat Diplomacy – the art of dealing with foreign governments Often in correspondence with leaders of foreign nations Diplomatic Notes – written communication between world leaders
Judicial Powers Power to appoint Supreme Court Justices and other federal Judges Must be approved by Senate Power to grant reprieves and pardons to those who committed Federal crimes Reprieve – postpones carrying out a person’s sentence Pardon – forgives a person convicted of a crime, frees them from carrying out their sentence Commutation – makes a convicted person’s sentence less severe
Other Presidential Roles Chief of State Greets visiting foreign leaders Travels around country and foreign lands to keep up appearances Ceremonial duties – awarding medals and honor, lighting nation’s Christmas tree, many others Political Party leader Backs other party candidates Helps push party legislation Raise money for political party
Presidential Succession President Vice President Speaker of the House President Pro Tempore Cabinet members 25 th Amendment The new president chooses a new vice president who must be confirmed by Congress.