Presidential Roles

Head of Party

The president is the de facto face of the party

Chief of State

The president acts as the public face of the country & the chief ambassador

Commander in Chief

The President has control over the military.

The president may not act quickly BEFORE Congress officially approves a declaration of war (assassination of Osama bin Laden 2011)

Chief Diplomat

Makes “contracts” with other countries (Called EXECUTIVE AGREEMENTS)

A President can facilitate trade, provide mutual defense, agree on global environment and peace standards

Chief Legislator

Bully Pulpit - The Constitution states that the president may use their highly public position to recommend laws

Can be done during the State of the Union **address

Chief Executive

The POTUS is responsible for enforcing laws, administering public policies, and overseeing the federal bureaucracy and uses EXECUTIVE ORDERS to do so—-

Expansion of Presidential Power

Constitutional Intent

A Limited Office: Unites the people and moderates Congress

Carries out Congress’ policies

Controversial Presidential Powers

Executive Agreements

A President can facilitate trade, provide mutual defense, agree on global environment and peace standards

Foreign Military Action

WAR POWERS ACT: limited the presidents military powers; Congress can vote to approve / disapprove president’s military action within 60 days

(the president can do a lot of things before Congress gets to decide; they get 60 days of military)

Bully Pulpit

The President can use their office as a public figure to pressure Congress into following their agenda