Roles Of The President
A.P. McGraw
Chief Executive
The president appoint the heads of the cabinet departments and of other large government agencies, with the Senate's approval.
Ex; Only Congress has the power to make laws. Issuing executive orders, however, is generally considered to fall under the president's constitutional duty to "take care that the laws are faithfully executed."
Chief Diplomat
The president directs the foreign policy of the United States, making key decisions about how the U.S. acts towards other countries in the world.
Commander in Chief
The president holds power over the armed forces. Giving him/her the ability to back up their foreign policy decisions with force, if necessary.
Legislative Leader
Every president has a legislative program. These are new laws that the president want for Congress to pass. The president makes speeches to build support for this program and meets with key senators and representatives to try to persuade them to support the proposed law.
Head of State
The president is a living symbol of the nation. The president aids diplomacy by greeting visiting kings and queens, prime ministers, and other foreign leaders. The president also carries out ceremonial functions for Americans, such as lighting the national Christmas tree and giving medals to the country's heroes.
Economic Leader
Every president tries to help the country's economy prosper. Voters expect the president to deal with such problems as unemployment, rising prices, and high taxes. One key task the president must accomplish each year as economic leader is to plan the federal government's budget.
Party Leader
The president is generally regarded as the leader of his or her political party. Members of the president's party work hard to elect the president. In turn, the president gives speeches to help fellow party members who are running for office as members of Congress, governors, and mayors.