Brief Description of the Roles of the President (for use with section 7.2)

1. For use with Chapter 7.2

2.  Powers
 Carry out (enforce) laws passed by Congress
 Head of executive bureaucracy (appoints the
cabinet members & heads of agencies)
 Can issue executive orders (has the power of a law)

5.  Limits (Checks & Balances)
 Could be impeached if not enforcing laws
 Executive orders could be declared unconstitutional
by the Supreme Court
 Cabinet / Agency heads must be approved by the
Senate

6.  Powers (1)
 Directs foreign policy (plan for dealing with other
nations) of US
 Makes treaties and appoints foreign ambassadors
(official representatives of a country’s government)
 Issues Executive Agreements (between Pres. and
another country’s leader)

7.  Powers (2)
 Can issue trade sanctions (punish a nation through
trade barriers) and issue embargos (a punishment
to stop trading with a target nation – usually made
with several countries)

8.  Limits (Checks & Balances)
 Senate must approve all treaties and ambassador
appointments!

9.  Powers
 Head of Military (all branches)
 Orders troops into battle and decides how the war
is fought
 In peacetime, can order troops to do other jobs

10.  Limits (Checks & Balances)
 Only Congress can declare war!
 War Powers Act, 1973 (President must notify
Congress immediately and troops can only stay for
60 days unless approved by Senate)

11.  Powers
 Proposes and influences the legislation process
 Veto legislation
 State of the Union Address to Congress

12.  Limits (Checks & Balances)
 2/3 of both houses could vote to override veto
 Any legislation introduced by the President is
subject to the same scrutiny as any bill introduced
into Congress

13.  Powers
 No real powers tied to this role
 Symbol of Nation
 Greets and visits other leaders
 Carries out ceremonial functions

14.  Powers
 Help US economy prosper / solve economic
problems
 Plan federal government’s budget by proposing it
to the House of Representatives

15.  Powers
 Leader of political party
 Helps party raise money
 Campaigns for party members
 Appoints party members

16.  Limits (Checks & Balances)
 Many appointments must be approved by the
Senate
 Ability to campaign and raise money for party
members is limited by the President’s approval
rating

17.  Powers
 Appoints Federal /Supreme Ct. judges
 Can grant forgiveness through pardons (one
person) or amnesty (group)
 Can issue reprieves (delay punishment until a
higher court can hear the case)

18.  Limits (Checks & Balances)
 Senate approval of judges