Chief Legislator
Katy, Morgan, Selin, Kavita
Definition
Being the Chief Legislator, the president has the ability to shape policy. He does this through meeting with Congress to encourage them to either pass laws or do specific things. After every bill is passed by Congress, the Chief Legislator has the ability to make it into law or veto it. If he passes a law, he has the responsibility to make sure it is enforced. The Chief Legislator also has the ability to convene Congress, as a whole or the Senate or House separately, for particular issues that need immediate attention. If there is a dispute between the House and Senate, he can also adjourn both houses for a specific period of time.
Explanation
Essentially, the president’s role as the chief legislator links him with the roles of Congress– he makes decisions regarding bills and their potential passage into law. As chief legislator, the president has the power to influence Congress, getting certain bills passed and preventing others from being passed. Responsibilities include signing bills, making speeches before Congress, and interacting with members of Congress elsewhere.
Importance
The president may suggest, request, and insist that Congress enact laws that he believes to be necessary. The president may offer patronage or favors to Congress in order to influence their law enacting. As a part of checks and balances, the president may act as Chief Legislator and exert influence on the legislature. As chief legislator, the president helps to check and balance out the legislative branch. The chief legislator role also calls upon his chief citizen role because the president can veto proposed bills that he believed will harm rather than help the nation and the people.