Help Wanted: President
By: Hayden Green
Presidential Background
- Must be at least 35
- Must have been born in the United State of America
- Must have lived in the U.S for at least 14 consecutive years.
Past Presidents
George W. Bush
- Republican
- -2001 - 2009
John F. Kennedy
- Democrat
- 1961-1963
Ronald Reagan
- Republican
- 1981-1989
Roles and Responsibilities
1. Head of State
This role requires a president to be an inspiring example for the American people. Ceremonial role, represents America at special occasions ad ceremonies.
Responsibilities:
- Awarding medals to the winners of college scholarships
- Greeting visitors to the White House
- Making a patriotic speech on the Fourth of July
2. Chief Executive
The president is in charge of 15 cabinet departments. He decides how the laws of the United States are enforced and chooses officials to help run the Executive Branch.
Responsibilities:
- Appointing Officials
- Holding a Cabinet meeting to discuss government business
3. Chief Diplomat
The president is able to make agreements with foreign leaders in order to help protect the United States. With the help of advisers, the president makes the foreign policy of the United States.
Responsibilities:
- Traveling to London to meet with British leaders
- Writing a message or a letter to the leaders in Foreign Countries
4. Commander-In-Chief
The president is in charge of the U.S. armed forces: the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines. The president decides where troops shall be stationed, where ships shall be sent, and how weapons shall be used. All military generals and admirals take their orders from the President.
Responsibilities:
- Inspecting a Navy yard
- Deciding, in wartime, whether to bomb foreign cities
- Calling out troops to stop a riot
5. Legislative Leader
Only Congress has the actual power to make laws, but the Constitution gives the president power to influence Congress in its lawmaking. Presidents may urge Congress to pass new laws or veto bills that they do not favor.
Responsibilities:
- Inviting members of Congress to lunch in the White House
- Signing a bill of Congress
- Making a speech in Congress
6. Party Leader
In this role, the president helps members of his political party get elected or appointed to office. The president campaigns for those members who have supported his policies.
Responsibilities:
- Choosing leading party members to serve in the Cabinet
- Traveling to swing-states to help out his political party
7. Economic Leader
In this role, the president is to help the country's economy prosper. The president does not control the economy, but is expected to help it run smoothly.
Responsibilities:
- Meeting with economic advisers to discuss ways to reduce unemployment
- Meeting with business and labor leaders to discuss their needs and problems
Presidential Power
Presidential Benefits
- The president make $400,000 annually since 2001
- Extra money for expenses and travel
- The use of Camp David
- Protection from the Secret Service