Roles of the President

1. The Roles of the President
Notes

2. Roles of the President
•Chief Executive
oPower to carry out laws passed by
Congress
Aided by his Cabinet & about 3 million civilians who
work for the federal government
Can issue executive orders which have the force of
law but do not require Congress’s approval
Can appoint judges to the Supreme Court
Can grant pardons, issue reprieves, & grant amnesty
to a group of people

3. Roles of the President

4. Roles of the President
•Chief Diplomat
oPower to direct the foreign policy of the
U.S.
Negotiates treaties which require Senate approval
Issues executive agreements which by-pass the
Senate but last only while that president is in office
Appoints ambassadors

5. Roles of the President

6. Roles of the President
•Commander-in-Chief
oPower to back up foreign policy decisions
with force, if necessary
Orders American soldiers into battle
Congress has formally declared war 5 times
Presidents have sent troops into battle more than
150 times since 1789
Limited by the War Powers Act of 1973

7. Roles of the President

8. Roles of the President
•Legislative Leader
oPower to suggest legislation to Congress
Only members of Congress can formally introduce
bills
Presidents makes speeches, meets with
representatives & senators, and appeals to the
American people in order to influence legislation
Annual State of the Union Address is the most
important of these speeches

9. Roles of the President

10. Roles of the President
•Head of State
oPower to carry out ceremonial functions for
Americans
Includes meeting with visiting foreign leaders,
giving medals to the country’s heroes, lighting
the national Christmas tree, throwing out the
first pitch of the baseball season, etc.

11. Roles of the President

12. Roles of the President
•Economic Leader
oResponsibility to help the country’s
economy prosper
Presidents have an important role in planning the
federal government’s budget

13. Roles of the President
•Party Leader
oResponsibility to lead his political party
Make speeches to help fellow party members who are
running for office
Helps the party raise money