Roles of the PresidentChief Executive
The president’s most important role is to carry out the nation’s laws. To enforce a law, the president often uses an Executive Order. The president’s duty is to make sure that the laws are faithfully executed (followed honestly). Another part of this role is to name people to serve as judges and heads of executive agencies. The president is granted the power to give pardons. Chief Diplomat In this role, the president decides how the U.S. acts toward other countries. The president fulfills this role by naming people to serve as ambassadors (representatives of the U.S. government to other nations). Head of State In this role, the president tries to build goodwill with other countries by greeting foreign leaders when they come to the U.S. The president fulfills this role by representing all Americans at important ceremonies. Commander in Chief The president is the Commander in Chief of America’s armed forces (army, navy, marines, air force). The president backs up foreign policy decisions with force when needed. Legislative Leader The president makes speeches to build support for goals that can be accomplished with proposed laws. The president also meets with key Senators and Representatives to build support for proposed laws. Economic Leader Voters expect the President to deal with such problems as lack of jobs, rising prices and high taxes. The president does this by planning the government’s annual budget. Party Leader The president gives speeches to help fellow party members who are running for office for Congress, state governor seats or mayors. The president also helps the party to raise money. |