Other Roles of the President
The Presidents Job Description
Head of State
• In England, this role is
divided between Queen
Elizabeth and Prime
Minister Gordon Brown.
• In the US, the President
fills both roles.
• He directs the gov’t
while performing all of
the ceremonial duties as
leader of the US.
Chief Executive
• The President is in charge of
making sure that all of the
laws are carried out.
• At the Presidents disposal
are all of the federal
agencies in the Executive
Branch.
• The President uses
“Executive Orders” to carry
out his plans.
• The President is given this
role through his Executive
Powers.
Chief Legislator
• These ideas begin
with the State of the
Union address.
• Presidents often meet
with members of
Congress to help push
the President’s
agenda, especially
when the other party
controls Congress.
• The President may
also use a veto to
dissuade Congress
from passing laws the
President does not
agree with.
• This role comes from
the Presidents
Legislative powers.
Economic Planner
• Since FDR and the New Deal,
the President has become more
involved in the economics of
the US.
• The President is in charge of
setting an economic plan for
the year during his State of the
Union Address.
• Ultimately, the President has
little control over the
economics of the US. Who
does though?
• This comes from the
President’s evolutionary
powers.
Party Leader
• President’s are the leader for
their party.
• They support candidates for
elected positions and appoint
party members for political
positions.
• They are big fund raisers for
the party.
• This is a “double-edged sword”
for the President. Isn’t he
supposed to represent everyone
in the US, not just his party.
Chief Citizen
• The President is seen as a role model for
the American public.
• They should be seen in the best of light by
the people.
• This would include:
– Voting
– Good moral standing
– Law abiding citizen
Chief Diplomat
• The President is in charge of
our foreign relations.
• Many times, the President
and Congress conflict over
foreign policy.
• What advantage(s) does the
President have over the
Congress?
• Information and decision
making.
• This comes from the
President’s diplomatic
powers.
Commander-In-Chief
• This power has often
come in conflict with
Congress.
• The President is given the
right under the War
Powers Act to engage the
military for 60 days
without Congressional
approval.
• Of course, every
President has fought
Congress over the
Constitutionality of this
Act.
“Other” Leadership Qualities
• An understanding of
the public.
• Ability to
communicate with
others.
• Sense of timing.
• Openness to new
ideas.
• Ability to
compromise with
others.
• Political courage.
• Charisma, charm,
and a sense of
character.