Roles of the President

Chief of State/Citizen

To represent the U.S. at public events.

Mainly a ceremonial role that allows the President to promote/ convey/represent American values & acknowledge others who do the same.

Chief of State/Citizen

Examples: Awarding medals to

students receiving academic honors.

Congratulating astronauts upon their return from space travel.

Greeting visitors to the WH.

Delivering the State of the Union Address.

Chief Executive/Administrator

Empowered to administer the laws & affairs of the nation.

He does not make law; however, his agencies have the responsibility and authority to carry out the laws.

Chief Executive/Administrator

Examples: Appointing the new Secretary of

Defense. Holding Cabinet meetings to

discuss government business. Declaring New Orleans a federal

disaster area. Drafting a federal budget to

submit to Congress. Being the boss of all federal

employees.

Chief Diplomat Interacting with leaders

from other nations. President takes the

lead in foreign relations by associating with foreign leaders and, with Congress’ help, develops foreign policy.

Chief Diplomat Chief architect of American foreign

policy and nation’s chief spokesperson to the rest of the world.

Examples: Traveling to London to meet

with the British Prime Minister.

Working with leaders in the Middle East in an effort to create a peace plan for the region.

Recognizing a foreign nation as sovereign.

Chief Legislator

Though the President cannot make laws, he can voice his own ideas and opinions to Congress while they draft legislation.

He does this through speeches promoting his agenda and by meeting with Congress to discuss policies.

Chief Legislator

Examples: Signing or vetoing a bill

passed by Congress. Working to get enough

House & Senate votes for a bill to be passed.

Making a speech to Congress.

Meeting with legislative leaders.

Commander-in-Chief

In charge of U.S. armed forces.

All military leaders report to & take order from the President.

President performs this duty as a civilian (someone not in the military.)

Commander-in-Chief

Examples: Inspecting a Navy yard. Visiting troops in Iraq. Deciding, in wartime,

whether to bomb foreign cities.

Calling out the National Guard to patrol the U.S./Mexican border.

Chief of Party

P. helps members of his political party get elected or appointed to office.

P. campaigns for those members who have supported his policies.

At the end of term, the P. may campaign for re-election with his party’s support.

Chief of Party Examples:

Choosing leading party members to serve in the Cabinet.

Traveling to CA to speak at a rally for a party nominee to the U.S. Senate.

Speaking at the Party National Convention.