The Roles and Powers of the President

Chief Of State

Ceremonial head of the government (Ex. Placing reef on grave of unknown soldiers).

Chief Executive

Head of the Executive Branch.

Chief Legislator

Proposer of the legislative agenda.

Commander in Chief

Head of the nation's armed forces.

Chief Diplomat

Architect of American foreign policy.

Chief of Party

Leader of the political branch that controls the Executive Branch.

Chief Citizen

Representative of the people

Executive Power

Enforce laws, treaties, and court decisions

Legislative Power

Sign or veto legislation passed by Congress

Executive Power

Issue executive orders to carry out policy

Appointment Power

Appoints officials in the executive branch

Executive Power

Presides over the cabinet and the executive branch

Legislative Power

Gives annual State of the Union

Legislative Power

Can proposes legislation and uses influence to get legislation passed

Legislative Power

Can call for special sessions of Congress

Military Power

Commander-in-chief of the armed forces

Military Power

Has final decision-making authority in matters of national and foreign defense

Diplomatic Power

Appoints ambassadors and other diplomats

Diplomatic Power

Can negotiate treaties and executive agreements

Diplomatic Power

Meets with foreign leaders and attends international conferences

Recognition Power

Accords diplomatic recognition from foreign government.

Diplomatic Power

Receives foreign dignitaries

Judicial Power

Appoint Supreme Court Justices and Federal judges

Judicial Power

Grant reprieves, pardons, and amnesty