1. Powers and Roles of the President 8 Slides after this

2. Nation’s Chief Executive  Given Power of Nation’s Chief Executive. Because of this, he must take an active role in all phases of government  Daily Life = nonstop and constantly around people  Meet Congress members  Advocate political party agenda  Meet with policy makers  Give speeches  Press Conferences  Ceremonies  Many Other duties

3. Legislative Leader  Constitution states “shall from time to time give to Congress information of the state of the Union, and recommend to Congress such measures he shall judge necessary…”  1. Suggests or recommends laws  2. Several speeches throughout the year  3. January delivers the State of the Union Address – sets forth programs and policies the president wants Congress to put into effect.  4. Sends Congress his budget recommendations, usually effecting the economy and government spending  5. Veto power and power to sign bills into law

4. Commander in Chief  Head of the US Armed Forces, or Commander in Chief.  All military officers take orders from the president – final decisions in war plans  ONLY CONGRESS CAN DECLARE WAR!  President can send troops into foreign lands if danger threatens  War Powers Act 1973 limits president’s military power  Can only send troops for 60 days unless Congress approves further action  This can be extended to 90 days if safe removal of American troops is in question

5. Foreign Policy Leader  Most powerful office in the world, he must give attention to foreign policy – nation’s plan for dealing with other nation’s of the world  Seeks secure friendly relations with foreign governments while preserving the security of the US  Appoints Ambassadors – highest-ranking US officials in foreign nations  Form treaties – written agreements, with other nations  All treaties must be made with advise and consent of Senate. Senate must approve 2/3 vote.

6. Chief Diplomat  Diplomacy – the art of dealing with foreign governments  Often in correspondence with leaders of foreign nations  Diplomatic Notes – written communication between world leaders

7. Judicial Powers  Power to appoint Supreme Court Justices and other federal Judges  Must be approved by Senate  Power to grant reprieves and pardons to those who committed Federal crimes  Reprieve – postpones carrying out a person’s sentence  Pardon – forgives a person convicted of a crime, frees them from carrying out their sentence  Commutation – makes a convicted person’s sentence less severe

8. Other Presidential Roles  Chief of State  Greets visiting foreign leaders  Travels around country and foreign lands to keep up appearances  Ceremonial duties – awarding medals and honor, lighting nation’s Christmas tree, many others  Political Party leader  Backs other party candidates  Helps push party legislation  Raise money for political party

9. Presidential Succession  President  Vice President  Speaker of the House  President Pro Tempore  Cabinet members  25 th Amendment  The new president chooses a new vice president who must be confirmed by Congress.