Reference no: EM133943531

Assignment:

By combining the functions of head of state and chief executive, the office of the presidency in the United States was unique when it was created. The framers of the Constitution were divided over whether the president should be a weak or a strong executive.

The requirements for the office of the presidency are outlined in Article II, Section 1, of the Constitution and include both formal and informal duties. The roles of the president include head of state, chief executive, commander in chief, chief diplomat, chief legislator, and party chief. The citizens of the United States do not elect a president and vice president directly, but cast ballots for presidential electors, who then vote for president and vice president in the electoral college.

As head of state, the president is ceremonial leader of the government. As chief executive, the president is bound to enforce the acts of Congress, the judgments of the federal courts, and treaties. The chief executive has the power of appointment and the power to grant reprieves and pardons.

Presidents are also the political leaders of their party, naming the leadership of the party and being the chief fundraiser for future elections. To become effective leaders and to gain support for their policies, presidents try to maintain strong approval ratings from the public, as measured by frequent polls. The White House Office works to improve the president's image and reputation through its relationship with the media. Presidents who maintain their popularity are likely to have more success in their legislative programs by "going public."

As commander in chief, the president is the ultimate decision maker in military matters. As chief diplomat, the president recognizes foreign governments, negotiates treaties, signs agreements, and nominates and receives ambassadors.

The role of chief legislator includes recommending legislation to Congress, lobbying for the legislation, approving laws, and exercising the veto power. In addition to constitutional and inherent powers, the president has statutory powers written into law by Congress.

Presidents have a variety of special powers not available to other branches of the government. These include emergency power, which is most frequently used during war or a national crisis, and the power to issue executive orders and invoke executive privilege.

Abuses of executive power are addressed by Articles I and II of the Constitution, which authorize the House and Senate to impeach and remove the president, vice president, or other officers of the federal government for committing "Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors."

The president fulfills the role of chief executive by appointing individuals of his or her choice to positions in the departments and agencies of government, as well as various advisers in the White House Office and the Executive Office of the President. Some of the offices within the EOP were established by law while others are appointed as the president desires. All appointees are supposed to be working for the president's initiatives and making sure that the larger bureaucracy is also supportive of the president's programs.

The vice president is the constitutional officer assigned to preside over the Senate and to assume the presidency in the event of the death, resignation, removal, or disability of the president. The Twenty-fifth Amendment, passed in 1967, established procedures to be followed in case of presidential incapacity and when filling a vacant vice presidency.

Reply to the discussion questions below and comment on all three questions to 2 (two) of your classmates on any of the three questions

• The President has many formal and informal roles. They are Head of State, Chief Executive, Commander in Chief, Chief Diplomat, and Chief Legislator - briefly explain each role.
• What is the difference between statutory powers and inherent powers?
• What is the difference between an executive agreement, executive order, and executive privilege? Name one executive order issued by the current president. Do you agree or disagree with the order. Why or why not?