1. Executive Branch
Hats of the President

2. Chief Executive
The President is responsible for enforcing laws passed by Congress and rulings handed down by the Supreme Court.
He/She manages the executive branch, appointing Cabinet members, Supreme Court justices, and other federal officials (with approval of the Senate).
The Constitution gives the President the power to grant pardons (excuse offenders from serving sentences) or reproves (delay enactment of penalties).

3. Chief Diplomat
The Constitution makes the President the nation’s chief diplomat by giving him/her the power to make treaties with other nations.
The President decides foreign policy (how the U.S. will act toward other nations).
He/She meets with foreign leaders, decides whether to recognize governments, and propose military or financial aid to other countries.

4. Commander-in-Chief
The Constitution makes the President the leader of the armed forces: Navy, Army, Air Force, and Marines. In times of emergency, he/she can also take command of the Coast Guard.
Although a President cannot declare war, he/she can send troops into action (for example: Korea and Vietnam).
A President is expected to keep the nation well defended at all times.

5. Economic Chief
The President is expected to keep the economy going smoothly.
He/She plans the federal budget, suggests how much to spend, and proposes tax cuts or tax hikes.
The President develops policies to deal with such problems as unemployment, inflation (rising prices), and trade between the United States and other countries.

6. Chief Legislator
A President may propose laws, but it is up to Congress to decided which bills will be written, debated, and voted on.
Usually, a bill becomes a law only after the President has signed it. The bill may become a law only if a two-thirds majority in Congress overrides the veto.
The President may appear before Congress to speak about matters of national importance, such as when he delivers the annual State of Union address.

7. Political Party Chief
The President is the head of his/her political party. As party chief, he/she plays a major role in deciding his/her party’s stance on important issues.
He/She campaigns for party members running for elective office, and appears at fundraisers and other political party functions.
Political parties are NOT mentioned in the Constitution, so the President’s role as political party chief is based on custom and tradition.

8. Chief of State
The President serves as a living symbol of the United States of America.
He/She performs many ceremonial duties such as:
Greet and entertain foreign officials
Attend festivities of historic and national importance
Tosses out the first ball of baseball season
Presents medals and other awards for national service of heroic deeds
The President is expected to promote the traditions and accomplishments of his/her fellow Americans and to set an example of good conduct and ethics.