The Roles of the President

1. The Roles of the President The Executive Branch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5l02sK5LovI

2. The President: Some Facts • Article II – election, requirements & powers • Take care that laws be faithfully executed, Commander-in-Chief, grant reprieves & pardons, issue executive orders, make treaties & appointments, convene Congress for State of Union & info., & receive ambassadors • 12th Amend. = Pres. & V.P. together • 22nd Amend. = 10 yr. term limit • 25th Amend. = disability & succession • Must be 35, 14 year resident and a natural born citizen

3. The Two Term Precedent Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933-1945) • FDR was the only president to serve more than 2 terms. • He led the US through the Depression and WW II. • George Washington set the precedent for the limit of 2 terms until 22nd Amendment 1951.

4. Federalist No. 70 – Hamilton“The Executive Department Further Considered” • How strong should the presidency be? This is the basic question Hamilton addresses in Essay 70. As might be expected, Hamilton supports a strong, energetic presidency. He cites the historical example of the ancient Romans, whose republic was often saved by the vigorous action of a single governing official under the title of "dictator." • A multiple executive, however, is inadvisable. Here Roman history cuts the other way. The highest echelon of ancient Roman magistracies, the consulship, was shared each year by two officials. Dissensions between the consuls were often the cause of injury to the Roman Republic. By the same reasoning executive councils are a bad idea for the new American government. Rivalry, differences in opinion, and obfuscation of responsibility are weighty reasons for rejecting this course. The expense of such an expedient also amounts to an argument against it.

5. Role: Chief of State and Chief Citizen • Acts as an example for U.S. • Represents America at special occasions and ceremonies – domestically & internationally • In constitutional monarchies, royalty are heads of state (Emperor Akihito or Queen Elizabeth) • Awarding medals, speechmaking, & throwing the first pitch are examples of this role • Moral leadership and decision-making for all Americans; representative of the public

6. Role: Chief Executive and Administrator • Acts as boss of 3 million federal government workers and 15 executive departments. • These departments help the President carry out, enforce, or execute the law (Dept. of Energy, Dept. of Homeland Security, etc.). • The president appoints cabinet officials (“consent & advice of Senate”) to advise him; high-level appointments also include federal judges, agency heads, EOP high level staff, etc. • Example: Holding cabinet meetings, appointing federal officials, using the National Guard to enforce a law.

7. The Chief Executive The Offices of the Executive Branch are found in the White House and other federal buildings in Washington D.C.

8. Role: Chief Diplomat • Conducts foreign policy by directing the actions of American ambassadors. • Signs treaties and trade agreements (approval or rejection by Senate) with leaders of other nations. • Makes executive agreements which are informal but important for relationships with foreign leaders

9. Role: Commander-In-Chief • In charge of US Armed Forces. • Decides where armed forces are to be stationed & what weapons will be used. • Appoints Secretary of Defense • Appoints Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (top military advisor)who serves in Exec. Office of Pres (EOP) • Advised by National Security Council (NSC), Ambassadors & Sec. of State • Direction of troops rests with President, Sec. of State, & Unified Combatant Command

10. Foreign PolicyPresident v. Congress • Formal, or expressed, powers of President: • Commander-in-Chief • Negotiator of treaties • Recognition of nations • Appointment of ambassadors • Receiving foreign ambassadors & diplomats • Informal, or inherent, powers of President: • Meeting with foreign leaders, coalition building & recognition as global leader; executive agreements (does not require Congress) • Crisis manager • Agenda setting • Access to media

11. Foreign PolicyPresident v. Congress • Formal powers of Congress: • Confirmation of ambassadors (Senate) • Declaration of war • “Power of purse” – funding for military or foreign policy endeavors • Regulation of foreign commerce (trade agreements) • Ratification of treaties (Senate)

12. President v. Congress foreign & domestic policy – Congressional reassertion of authority The War Powers Resolution of 1973 President must consult with Congress, whenever possible, before using military force. Mandates the withdrawal of forces after 60 days unless Congress declared war or granted an extension. Congress can, at any time, pass a concurrent resolution (which can not be vetoed) ending American participation in hostilities. The Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 A fixed budget calendar is established There is to be a Budget Committee in each house. A Congressional Budget Office is established to advise Congress. Title X says that the President may propose to Congress that funds be rescinded. If both the Senate and the House of Reps. Have not approved a rescission proposal (by passing legislation) within 45 days of continuous session, any funds being withheld must be made available for obligation.

13. Role: Chief Legislator • Congress has the power to make laws. • President can propose bills to be sponsored by Congresspersons & signs bills into law (or vetoes) • Often calls on members of Congress to lobby for his agenda / policy ideas. • Presents his agenda to Congress in the annual State of the Union address.

14. Role: Chief Legislator • President Obama State of the Union Address before a Joint Session of Congress (2014) & President Trump’s State of the Union Address (2019)

15. Role: Chief of the Party • Presidents help members of their party get elected or appointed to office. • They make campaign speeches needed for re-election, officially endorse those candidates. • Head of fund-raising for the party & representative of the party to some degree. “To the incredible people of the Great State of Wyoming: Go VOTE TODAY for Foster Friess - He will be a fantastic Governor! Strong on Crime, Borders & 2nd Amendment. Loves our Military & our Vets. He has my complete and total Endorsement!” “.@MarshaBlackburn is a wonderful woman who has always been there when we have needed her,” the president wrote on Twitter on Thursday afternoon. “Great on the Military, Border Security and Crime. Loves and works hard for the people of Tennessee. She has my full endorsement and I will be there to campaign with her!”

16. Chief Guardian of the Economy • Monitors unemployment, inflation, taxation, business, trade, & general welfare of the nation. • Works with OMB & CEA in Executive Office. • He does not control the economy, but he gets credit if it goes well and gets blamed if it does not. • Designs & presents budget to Congress for approval annually = FISCAL POLICY • Relies on Federal Reserve to design and implement monetary policy (interest rates, sale of bonds, etc.)