1. The Job of the President

2. Constitutional Powers
Article II of the Constitution is the source of the President’s power and authority
The President fills many roles

3. Duties of the President
President + VP are the only government officials elected by the entire nation
President is the...
Head of the Executive Branch
Symbol of the entire nation
Most powerful public official in the US
President’s main job is to execute or carry out the laws passed by congress

4. Duties of the President
The Constitution also gives the President the power to:
Veto or reject bills passed in Congress
Call Congress into a special session
Serve as Commander in Chief of the armed forces
Oversees 5 major branches of the military
Decides how to deploy troops stationed around the world
Receive leaders and other officials of foreign countries

5. Duties of the President
The Constitution also gives the President the power to:
Make treaties with other countries (with Senate approval)
Appoint heads of executive agencies, federal court judges, ambassadors, etc. (with Senate approval)
Pardon or reduce penalties against people convicted of federal crimes
Address Congress with a “State of the Union” address to discuss the most important issues facing the nation

7. Roles of the President Chief Executive Chief Diplomat
Commander in Chief
Legislative Leader
Head of State
Economic Leader
Party Leader
Roles of the President

8. Roles of the President Chief Executive
In charge or 15 cabinet departments (State Department, Department of Education, etc) + 4 million civilians who work for the federal gov’t
Appoints head of cabinet departments and other gov’t agencies (with the approval of the Senate)

9. Roles of the President Chief Executive
Gives Executive Orders = a rule or command that has the force of law
Most solve simple administrative problems
Some have great impact = 1948, President Truman orders the Armed Forces must be racially integrated

11. Roles of the President Chief Executive
Appoints justices to the Supreme Court + judges to other federal courts
Most presidents appoint Supreme Court justices who share similar views to their own
Grants pardons, reprieves, and amnesty

12. Roles of the President Chief Diplomat
Directs foreign policy, or strategy of the US
Makes key decisions about how the US acts towards other countries of the world

13. Roles of the President Commander in Chief
In charge of Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard
Top commanders of all branches of the military take orders from the President
President can back up foreign policy decisions with force

14. Roles of the President Commander in Chief
President shares powers to make war with Congress
Only Congress can declare war → only the President can send American troops into battle

15. Roles of the President Commander in Chief
Congress has only declared war 5 times:
War of 1812, Mexican-American War, Spanish- American War, WWI, WWII
President has sent troops overseas or used military force times since 1789
Vietnam War = undeclared wars but President still sent troops to fight in those conflicts

16. Roles of the President Commander in Chief
War Powers Resolution (1973) passed after Vietnam War
Congress must be notified within 48 hours when troops are sent into battle
Troops must be brought home within 60 days unless Congress approves them to stay longer/declares war

17. Roles of the President Legislative Leader
Technically, only member of Congress have the power to introduce bills
In practice, Congress expects the President to propose legislation he wants passed
Every President has a legislative program = new laws he wants Congress to pass
President gives speeches, meets with Congressmen to persuade them and gain support for proposed laws

18. Roles of the President Head of State
President is living symbol of the nation
Aids diplomacy by greeting kings & queens, prime ministers, and other foreign leaders
Carries out ceremonial functions for Americans
For example: lighting the national Christmas tree, giving medals to the country’s heroes, taking pictures with championship sports teams, etc.

19. Roles of the President Economic Leader
Voters expect President to deal with economic problems facing the country:
unemployment + rising prices + high taxes + low wages
Every year, President plans the federal govt’s budget and recommends which programs to support and which to cut funding for

20. Roles of the President Party Leader
Regarded as the leader of his/her political party
Gives speeches to help party members running for office as Congressmen, governors, and mayors
Helps raise money for the party