presidents 7 different hats (FRQ)

chief executive 

• Enforces laws passed by Congress and court decisions.

• Appoints top officials (agency heads, judges, etc.)

• Writes executive orders to direct how laws are carried out.

• Senate confirms appointed officials

• Congress can limit or cut funding  for executive programs or agencies

• Congressional oversight

chief commander 

• Leads the U.S. armed forces.

• Example: Sending troops overseas without Congress formally declaring war.

• Only congress can declare war

• Congress controls military funding.

chief legislator

• Suggests laws and influences Congress’s legislative agenda.

• Can sign or veto bills.

• Uses public speeches and persuasion to gain support.

• Congress ultimately decides what legislation is passed

• Congress can also override a veto with a ⅔ vote.

head of state

• Serves as the ceremonial leader of the U.S.

• Represents the nation at public events and ceremonies.

• Hosts foreign leaders and honors national heroes.

chief diplomat

• Directs U.S. foreign policy.

• Makes treaties (approved by ⅔ of the Senate).

• Can make executive agreements w/o Senate approval

• Senate must ratify treaties by ⅔ vote

• Ambassadors and key diplomats require senate confirmation

• Executive agreements can be undone by the future president or congress

party leader

• Leader of their political party.

• Supports party candidates, campaigns, and fundraising.

• Chooses the Vice President and helps shape party policies.
  

chief economist

1. Oversees the nation’s economic policy.

2. Prepares the federal budget (which Congress must approve of)

3. Tries to keep the economy stable and growing.

1. Congress has power of the purse

2. Courts can strike down regulations

3. Federal reserve operates independently