6 Roles of the President

1. Chief of State & Chief Citizen  Ceremonial head of the United States, the symbol of all the people of the nation. Our host for visitors “the personal embodiement and respresentative of their dignity and majesty.” President William Howard Taft Our president both reigns & rules unlike the Queen of England or Denmark who only reign

 Chief Citizen: The President is expected to be “the representative of all the people” the one to work for and represent the public interest. “The presidency,” said FDR “is not merely an administrative office. It is a place of moral leadership.”

2. Chief Executive Vested by the Constitution with “the executive power of the United States.” Very broad in both domestic (enforces laws) and foreign affairs. The office is described as “the most powerful office in the world.” The president is had of one of the largest governmental machines, employing almost 4 million civilians and spend close to $4 trillion a year.

3. Chief Diplomat  The main architect of American foreign policy and chief spokesperson to the rest of the world. “I make foreign policy” - President Harry Truman *makes treaties w/ assistance by Secretary of State

4. Commander in Chief  The Constitution also makes the President the commander in chief of the nation’s armed forces. Nearly 3 million men and women in uniform and all the power of the military arsenal are subject to the President’s director and immediate control w/ assistance by the Secretary of Defense & Joint Chiefs of Staff

5. Party Chief  Acknowleged leader of the political party that controls the executive branch.  Parties are not mentioned in the Constitution, but play a vital role in the function of American Government  The President also helps members of his party get elected to office  Controls party functions and appoints members of his party to government offices.

6. Chief Legislator  The main architect in public policies.  He shapes the congressional agenda by initiating, suggesting, requesting, supporting, insisting, and demanding the Congress enacts much of that legislation into law. He is expected to LEAD Congress.