The President’s Many Hats
1. Chief Executive – Head of the Executive Branch of
government. The President enforces or carries out the nation’s
laws. He also appoints cabinet members and federal judges.
2. Commander in Chief – Head of the nation’s armed
forces. The President is the head of the U.S. military and can
order troops into battle, but only Congress can officially declare
war.
3. Chief of Party – Leader of the Political Party that
controls the executive branch. He can appoint officials to lead
his party, hold fundraisers to raise money for his party, and back
up candidates from his party in upcoming elections.
4. Chief Diplomat – Architect of American foreign policy.
The President makes treaties with other nations and appoints
ambassadors to other countries. He also works with the Secretary
of State to shape foreign policy.
5. Chief Legislator – Proposer of the legislative agenda.
The President can propose legislation in the State of the Union
and sign or veto legislation.
6. Chief of State – Ceremonial head of the government.
The President is a symbol of the U.S. He participates in many
ceremonies, including the welcoming of foreign leaders, honoring
famous Americans, and promoting U.S. holidays, like
Thanksgiving or the Fourth of July.
7. Chief Citizen – Representative of all of the people. The
president acts as a positive role model and leads others. The
president fulfills his civic responsibilities and gives back to his
community.
2008 POS CE.6.d.3
Name ____________________
Pd _______________
Which Hat is the President Wearing?
Directions: Match the President’s job to the corresponding real
Presidential action listed below.
Chief Executive
Commander in Chief
Chief of State
Chief of Party
Chief Legislator
Chief Citizen
Chief Diplomat
1. ___________________________President Bush sends troops
to Afghanistan and later to Iraq.
2. _________________________________President Clinton travels to
Vietnam to improve U.S./Vietnamese relations.
3._________________________________ President George H.W. Bush
campaigns for fellow Republicans running for office.
4. ____________________________President Reagan consoles
the nation in a televised address after the space shuttle,
Challenger, explodes during take-off.
5.____________________________President Obama urges all
Americans to find a way to give back and volunteer in their
community.
6.____________________________President Johnson signs the
Civil Rights Act of 1964, making the bill a law.
7.____________________________President Kennedy appoints
his brother Robert Kennedy to become Attorney General of the
United States, making him the official head of the U.S.
Department of Justice.
2008 POS CE.6.d.3