The Executive Branch Highlights

1. The Executive Branch Highlights

2. Move to Modern Day Presidents • Prior to Franklin Roosevelt (1933-1945), most presidents were considered “chief clerks,” where they carried out the will of Congress • With Roosevelt’s election, he transformed the role of president by presenting bills to Congress, got many New Deals passed, and expanded his influence during WWII • Since that time, modern presidents have worked to expand or use their power in variety of ways; no longer the “chief clerks” of the legislative branch

3. Roles of the Modern President • Chief Executive: • presides over the federal bureaucracy; • appoints some 2,000 federal officials; • issues executive orders • Chief of State: acts as ceremonial leader of government; • represents United states at official functions at home and abroad; • promotes national spirit • Commander in Chief: acts as head of armed forces; • is responsible for operations of the U.S. military and security of the nation; • can commit troops to action without a formal declaration of war

4. Roles of the Modern President • Chief Diplomat: oversees U.S. foreign policy; • Talks with foreign leaders • Negotiates treaties • Chief Policymaker: sets policy agenda for Congress in State of the Union address; • proposes legislation; • can call Congress into special session; • can veto bills passed by Congress • Chief Manager of the Economy: works with Congress to write the federal budget; • Works with Congress to set tax policy; • Appoints members of the Federal Reserve

5. Roles of the Modern President • Chief of Party: is the leader of his or her political party; • works to ensure that the party does well in congressional elections; • typically rewards loyal party members with political favors or appointments • Chief Citizen: embodies American ideals; • serves the nation by acting in its best interests; • informs, inspires and comforts American people in times of crisis

6. Presidental checks and balances: • President can check the power of the legislative branch by approving or vetoing legislation passed by Congress • Invoke executive privelege • Check the power of the judicial branch by nominating judges to the Supreme court and other federal courts

7. WIO: Presidential Roles • Pick the top three roles (in your opinion) that modern presidents fulfill. Then draw a symbol for each choice, and then explain why you believe that is a top role of the president.