So, you found out what it takes to become the President, but now you need to investigate the many jobs the president actually has. Below you will find some pictures and descriptions of the duties the President has in specific roles, or the "Hats" the President wears while in office. For each "Hat" (or job) be prepared to answer the key questions found to the right on Edmodo or in your journal. Good luck!
Key Questions
What are the seven roles (hats) the President of the United States has?
Explain the major functions of EACH role. (This can be completed on your graphic organizer in the space provided!)
How do each of the roles differ?
What do you think the two most important roles are?
Role I: Commander-in-Chief
The president is in charge of the U.S. armed forces: the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines. The president decides where troops shall be stationed, where ships shall be sent, and how weapons shall be used. All military generals and admirals take their orders from the President.
Examples of jobs as Commander-in-Chief:
Inspecting a Navy yard.
Deciding, in wartime, whether to bomb foreign cities.
Calling out troops to stop a riot.
Role II: Chief Diplomat
The President is the leader, initiator, and guide of our foreign policy. He consults with leaders of foreign countries, performs ceremonial duties with foreign leaders and makes decisions for our country affecting our foreign affairs.
Examples of jobs as the Chief Diplomat:
Appointing the Ambassador to the United Nations who speaks for the United States
Negotiating treaties or agreements with other countries.
Traveling to other countries around the world where his words reflect the United States' position and ideas on foreign affairs.
Role III: Chief Legislator
Only Congress has the actual power to make laws. But the Constitution gives the president power to influence Congress in its lawmaking. Presidents may urge Congress to pass new laws or veto bills that they do not favor. He recommends laws while advising and guiding the Congress in its lawmaking activities. Each year in January as legislative leader, the President gives his State of the Union Address to a joint session of Congress. This speech evaluates the country's domestic and foreign position and suggests what the President would like to accomplish in the next year. Even after legislation (a bill which passes both houses of Congress), the bill does not become law until the President signs it.
Examples of jobs as the Chief Legislator:
Inviting members of Congress to lunch in the White House.
Signing or Vetoing a bill of Congress.
Making a speech in Congress
Role IV: Chief Executive
The president is "boss" for millions of government workers in the Executive Branch, deciding how the laws of the United States are to be enforced and choosing officials and advisers to help run the Executive Branch.
Examples of jobs as the Chief Executive:
Appointing someone to serve as head of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
Holding a Cabinet meeting to discuss government business.
Reading reports about problems of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Role V: Economic Leader
In this role, the president is concerned with such things as unemployment, high prices, taxes, business profits, and the general prosperity of the country. The president does not control the economy, but is expected to help it run smoothly.
Examples of jobs as the Economic Leader:
Meeting with economic advisers to discuss ways to reduce unemployment.
Meeting with business and labor leaders to discuss their needs and problems.
Role VI: Head of State
This role requires a president to be an inspiring example for the American people. In some nations, the chief of state is a king or a queen who wears a crown on special occasions, celebrates national holidays, and stands for the highest values and ideals of the country. As the American Chief of State, the president is a living symbol of the nation. It is considered a great honor for any citizen to shake the president's hand.
Examples of jobs as the Head of State:
Awarding medals to the winners of college scholarships.
Congratulating astronauts on their journey into space.
Greeting visitors to the White House.
Making a patriotic speech on the Fourth of July.
Role VII: Party Leader
In this role, the president helps members of his political party get elected or appointed to office. The president campaigns for those members who have supported his policies. At the end of a term the president may campaign for reelection.
Examples of jobs as the Party Leader:
Choosing leading party members to serve in the Cabinet.
Traveling to California to speak at a rally for a party nominee to the U.S. Senate.