1. Roles of the President

2. Chief of State/Citizen  To represent the U.S. at public events.  Mainly a ceremonial role that allows the President to promote/ convey/represent American values & acknowledge others who do the same.

3. Chief of State/Citizen  Examples: Awarding medals to students receiving academic honors. Congratulating astronauts upon their return from space travel. Greeting visitors to the WH. Delivering the State of the Union Address.

4. Chief Executive/Administrator  Empowered to administer the laws & affairs of the nation.  He does not make law; however, his agencies have the responsibility and authority to carry out the laws.

5. Chief Executive/Administrator  Examples: Appointing the new Secretary of Defense. Holding Cabinet meetings to discuss government business. Declaring New Orleans a federal disaster area. Drafting a federal budget to submit to Congress. Being the boss of all federal employees.

6. Chief Diplomat  Interacting with leaders from other nations.  President takes the lead in foreign relations by associating with foreign leaders and, with Congress’ help, develops foreign policy.

7. Chief Diplomat  Chief architect of American foreign policy and nation’s chief spokesperson to the rest of the world.  Examples: Traveling to London to meet with the British Prime Minister. Working with leaders in the Middle East in an effort to create a peace plan for the region. Recognizing a foreign nation as sovereign.

8. Chief Legislator  Though the President cannot make laws, he can voice his own ideas and opinions to Congress while they draft legislation.  He does this through speeches promoting his agenda and by meeting with Congress to discuss policies.

9. Chief Legislator  Examples: Signing or vetoing a bill passed by Congress. Working to get enough House & Senate votes for a bill to be passed. Making a speech to Congress. Meeting with legislative leaders.

10. Commander-in-Chief  In charge of U.S. armed forces.  All military leaders report to & take order from the President.  President performs this duty as a civilian (someone not in the military.)

11. Commander-in-Chief  Examples: Inspecting a Navy yard. Visiting troops in Iraq. Deciding, in wartime, whether to bomb foreign cities. Calling out the National Guard to patrol the U.S./Mexican border.

12. Chief of Party  P. helps members of his political party get elected or appointed to office.  P. campaigns for those members who have supported his policies.  At the end of term, the P. may campaign for re-election with his party’s support.

13. Chief of Party  Examples: Choosing leading party members to serve in the Cabinet. Traveling to CA to speak at a rally for a party nominee to the U.S. Senate. Speaking at the Party National Convention.