Understanding the Position of a U.S. President

Over the course of our history, the presidency has evolved into an enormous position of power and responsibility. The duties and responsibilities of the President is basically divided into seven categories: chief executive, head of state, commander in chief, chief diplomat, legislator in chief, party leader, and comforter in chief.

Chief Executive

As chief executive, the president can enforce laws in our country. The president derives his power from section 3 in the U.S. Constitution that states, "he shall take Care that the laws be faithfully executed." Furthermore, the president has an entire executive branch of roughly three million workers to help him to carry out the laws of the land. Plus, the president has the authority to make appointments and grant pardons.

While the president can make judicial and executive branch appointments, the Senate must approve his nominees. Most executive branch appointments are made on merit, but some are given to reward party loyalists, too. For high profile appointments, the president will usually consider those who will help certain interest groups.

The Constitution also gives the president the power to grant pardons for Offences against the United States, except cases that involve impeachment. Granting pardons and/or reprieves is one of the few constitutional powers that doesn't have to get approval from Congress. In 1925, Congress did try to restrict the president's power for granting pardons, but the Supreme Court ruled that it was unconstitutional. Most pardons and reprieves are granted as a reversive and corrective action for wrongful or politically motivated convictions.

Head of State

As head of state, the president fulfills ceremonial and symbolic obligations. These obligations include throwing out the first pitch to open a new baseball season, lighting the national Christmas tree, dedicating monuments and more. As time has went on, it has become more common to see championship athletes and teams to receive an invitation to the White House for a public reception.

The president is a symbol of our nation. He provides our national voice and his gestures, big or small, carry special importance to the citizens of our country.

Commander in Chief

Throughout the course of our history, the president has exercised more authority in their role of commander in chief more than any other responsibility of the job. It is by far the most important responsibility of being a president. As commander in chief, the president has the authority to send American troops into battle.

When the Constitution was created, the people who wrote it were careful not to give the president too much military power out of fear of abusing the government. Therefore, the president has the power to manage and execute military action, while Congress has the authority to declare war, raise an army, and provide money for funding wars.

Part of being commander in chief is that the president is in charge of all armed forces. Simply put, the president is the first general and admiral of the armed forces. It depends largely on the president's military background as to how much decision-making that he does. Some will leave all the decisions up to the generals, while other presidents have used a more hands-on approach.

Chief Diplomat

As chief diplomat, the president has the authority to make treaties and recognize foreign governments. This also gives the president the power to enter into executive agreements with other heads of state.

In order for a foreign treaty to be enforced, the president needs two-thirds of the Senate's vote. The president alone decides which treaties to pursue. Also, a treaty is not officially recognized until the president signs into law. However, the president does not need the Senate's consent on terminating a treaty.

An executive agreement does not require Senate approval, and it gives the president the ability to negotiate secret and international agreements. An executive agreement is not a treaty, but it does bind two countries into a mutual pact such as trade agreements and military committments amongst other things.

In recognizing a foreign government, though it is not an explicit power listed in the Constitution, the president has the ability to receive and send ambassadors. Formal recognition of a government is required before a treaty, executive agreement, or any other diplomatic action can take place.

Legislator in Chief

As legislator in chief, the president proposes legislation and works closely with Congress on scheduling, strategy, and lobbying members for votes.

The president is required by Congress to give an occasional State of the Union address. The State of the Union address is the most powerful tool to shape the legislative agenda of the president. The State of the Union address is given annually at the end of January in front of Congress. The president has been known to receive more popularity after the speech, and then takes advantage of that by quickly introducing his agenda to Congress.

The president has the power to veto or reject any legislation passed by Congress which is stated in the Constitution. This is a very valuable tool that allows the president to influence legislation by raising the specter of a veto. Congress can still override a veto if two-thirds of the vote takes place, but this rarely happens. Using the veto too often can give the appearance of losing touch with the people in our country.

Party Leader

As party leader, the president sets a party policy, defines the legislative agenda, and serves as the party's chief spokesperson. The most important function of a party leader is fundraising. Every year, the president raises millions of dollars for party and officeholders at both the national and state level.

Besides fundraising, the president is responsible for selecting a national committee spokesperson, writing a party policy platform, influencing party members in Congress by promising fundraising support, and campaigning for new candidates.

Comforter in Chief

Comforter in chief is one of the most important aspects of a job in modern presidency. It is nowhere to be found in the Constitution, and was never recognized by those who wrote it.

Sometimes, the president has made great connections with the American people during times of crisis and tragedy. The role is stems from the president's command of the nation's undivided attention. In times of emergencies, crises, tragedies, and war, we turn to the president for guidance and comfort. With the advance in modern technology, this role has taken on more importance.

Source: American Government by author Nick Ragone