The Office of the President & his many roles.

A Leader with many roles The framers of the Constitution did not describe in full the many roles of the office of president nor how to fulfill his many duties. Expecting George Washington to be elected the first president of the United States the framers entrusted him with the task of developing the office.

As succeeding presidents encountered questions concerning how to execute the office, they often looked back to the examples set by Washington and other previous presidents.

What are the many roles played by the President? Chief Executive Commander in Chief Chief Diplomat Legislative Leader Judicial Leader

Chief Executive The President is the Chief Executive. As Chief Executive it is his responsibility to make sure laws passed by Congress are carried out. The President carries out the laws with the help of executive officials. People who work within the office of the President such as his cabinet.

Executive officials have the liberty in many situations to determine how laws should be enforce or carry out. One way the President can insure laws are carried out is by issuing executive orders, rules the government must follow.

There are restrictions to a President’s executive orders. –They may not violate the Constitution or laws passed by Congress. The Presidents role as Chief Executive grants him the right to appoint thousands of government officials such as ambassadors, American representatives to foreign nations.

Commander in Chief Because the framers of the Constitution wanted civilian leadership over the Army and Navy, they made the President Commander and Chief of the military. Though the President relies on the Joint Chiefs of Staff to advise him on military affairs and strategy, he has finial say over the military.

Chief Diplomat The President is our nations most important representative in relation with foreign nations. As Chief Diplomat, the President creates foreign policy, how the United States will interact with other nations.

Under the Presidents capacity as Chief Diplomat he may negotiate treaties or make formal agreements with other nations. Under our system of checks and balances the Senate must approve many of these decisions.

Legislative Leader Though Congress makes our nation’s laws, the President can attempt to influence Congress to pass laws he believes are needed and necessary for our country. The President’s role as Legislative Leader is most evident each year when he gives his State of the Union Address.

During his State of the Union Address, which is presented to both houses of Congress, the President identifies problems at home and abroad and proposes solutions. Another important way the President can influence Congress is by the threat of a veto.

Judicial Powers The President also has the power to influence the judicial branch. The most important way the President influences the judicial branch is by appointing federal judges as well as Supreme Court Justices should a vacancy occur.

The President may also influence the judicial branch through his power to pardon criminals or commute (change) their sentence. Just as the system of Checks and Balances allows the President to limit the power of the Legislative and Judicial Branches, it also permits the Legislative and Judicial Branches to limit the power of the President. Caution

What are the Qualifications to become President of the United States? Must be a Natural Born Citizen Must be at least 35 years of age. Must have lived in the United States for 14 years if he left to live in another country.