1. Commander in Chief
The Constitution makes the president commander in chief of the armed forces.
Congress retains the power to declare war and fund the military.
The president, a civilian, is responsible for key military decisions.
Since many shadow war activities are classified, the level of accountability is reduced.
During times of war, presidents often claim increased power to protect the nation.

2. Chief Diplomat
Foreign policy is an area in which Congress and the president share, and often struggle over, power.
Presidents have the advantage of access to information and decisive ability.
The president has the authority to make executive agreements with other countries.
The president decides whether the United States will recognize governments of other countries.

3. Road to the White House
The Framers devised the Electoral College because they did not trust average person’s judgment.
Candidates often begin by forming a political action committee (PAC) for fundraising.
A candidacy is official when it is registered with the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
After the primaries, each party nominates its candidate at the party nominating convention.
The candidates engage in a flurry of expensive campaigning before the general election.

4. Electoral College Issues
As a winner-take-all system, a candidate could lose the popular vote yet win the electoral vote.
A strong third-party candidate could prevent anyone from receiving a majority of the votes.
If the election falls to the House, there are more issues of concern.
Several ideas have been suggested for reforming or eliminating the Electoral College system.

5. The Inauguration
The new president takes office at noon on January 20 in the year following the presidential election.
The chief justice administers the oath of office.
The new president gives an inaugural address.

6. Head of State
The president represents the nation and performs ceremonial roles of varying importance.
The president hosts kings, queens, and heads of foreign governments.
In natural disasters or tragedies, the president brings comfort on behalf of the nation.
The president serves as a symbol for the United States.

7. Chief Executive
According to the Constitution, the president shall “faithfully execute” the laws.
Presidents appoint the executive branch officials and all federal judges, subject to Senate confirmation.
Presidents issue executive orders, which have the force of law without the approval of Congress.
With some restrictions, the president may impound funds approved by Congress.
Presidents have the power to grant reprieves, pardons, and amnesty.

8. Influencing Legislation
Presidents have significant influence over the types of laws proposed and their crafting.
Influence may come through relationships with Congress and through external events.
Presidents may hand out political favors to get congressional support.
Public support can give a president leverage in influencing lawmakers.
A veto, or the threat of a veto, is an important tool for presidential influence.

9. Economic Planning
The presidential role of chief economic planner has developed over time.
Franklin Roosevelt led Americans to expect presidential involvement in the economy.
Congress has passed several laws increasing the economic power of presidents.
One economic duty of the president is the preparation of an annual budget.

10. Political Party Leader
The president serves as the leader of his or her political party.
Presidents use political patronage to reward party members who have helped them get elected.
The president’s roles as party leader and leader of the United States can conflict with one another.

11. Qualifications for the Presidency
The president must be a natural-born citizen, at least 35 years old, and a U.S. resident for at least 14 years before taking office.
Informal requirements include experience in government and moderate political beliefs.
Presidents have all been male and Christian, and most have been white, married, and financially successful.
Modern presidential candidates must have strong financial support from large numbers of people.

12. Leadership Skills
Presidents are expected to exhibit strong leadership skills to solve the nation’s problems.
Successful presidents have a genuine feel for the hopes, fears, and moods of the nation.
Successful presidents communicate effectively and inspire the public.
Successful presidents have a keen sense of timing.
Successful presidents are able to compromise.

13. Terms, Salary, and Benefits
The precedent of serving two four-year terms was set by George Washington, not the Constitution.
The Twenty-second Amendment was passed in response to the four consecutive terms of Franklin Roosevelt.
According to the Constitution, presidential compensation is determined by Congress.
A number of benefits are attached to the office of president.

14. The Vice President
The first Constitutional duty of the vice president is to succeed the president if needed.
The second Constitutional duty is presiding over the Senate and voting in the event of a tie.
The vice president helps determine the capacity of the president to carry out presidential duties.
Additional responsibilities of a modern vice president depend on the president.

15. Succession
The Twenty-fifth Amendment clarified the succession to the presidency and the vice presidency.
The Succession Act of 1947 established the presidential succession.
The Twenty-fifth Amendment covers succession in the event of presidential disabilities as well as death.

16. Constitutional Powers
The Founders created a strong executive to carry out the legislation of Congress.
The Founders created a strong executive to hold the legislature in check.
The Constitution also identifies key presidential powers.

17. Growth of Presidential Power
Presidents have used inherent powers to enlarge the scope of their authority.
During war and other emergencies, presidents take strong actions based on inherent powers.
Executive privilege is another power claimed by presidents.
Presidents like to claim they have a mandate from the people.
Checks from the legislative and judicial branches balance the power of the executive.

18. Presidential Roles
Presidential roles include head of state and chief executive.
Other roles are commander in chief and chief diplomat.
The president is also the legislative, economic, and party leader.

19. The Cabinet
The Senate must confirm each person the president nominates to be a Cabinet secretary.
Cabinet selection is largely a political process, although social and management considerations apply.
The Cabinet advises the president and meets when called by the president.
Cabinet secretaries have loyalties beyond just the president who appointed them.

20. The Executive Office of the President
The Office of Management and Budget prepares the national budget for the president.
The National Security Council advises the president and coordinates military and foreign policy.
The Council of Economic Advisers assesses the nation’s economic health and assists in economic planning.
The number and size of other EOP agencies vary from president to president.
The White House Office consists of advisers and assistants who do not need Senate confirmation.

21. Public Policy, Rules, and Regulations
Cabinet department liaison officers provide assistance as a bill moves through Congress.
As they put a law into practice, bureaucrats shape what the law actually means.
To implement new laws, executive agencies seek input from stakeholders and interest groups.
The court system and Congress can check the power of the executive agencies and departments.

22. Debates About the Size of Bureaucracy
Several factors have contributed to the growth of the federal bureaucracy.
Critics of big government argue that it is costly, unsustainable, and beyond its proper role.
Many elected officials and public figures have proposed ways to reduce the size of the federal bureaucracy.

23. Influence of Interest Groups on the Bureaucracy
An iron triangle forms when congressional committees, client groups, and a federal department work closely together.
Critics say that iron triangles limit outside input and complicate funding issues.
Ethics requirements for lobbyists have been developed to address concerns over undue influence.

24. Government Regulation
Typically, business owners and manufacturers dislike regulation and ask the government to deregulate.
Many regulations are designed to protect workers, consumers, and the environment.
Red tape, such as excessive paperwork, places unnecessary burdens on the public.