Presidential HatsRoles of the President

Chief of State

Symbol of a NationWhen someone thinks of the American Government, the president is first to mind

Actions: Holds State dinners, engages in traditional/ ceremonial acts. (throwing out the first pitch, etc)

Chief ExecutiveHead of Executive Branch

Carry out & enforce the laws of America

Actions: Enforces laws Directs agencies/departments Issues Executive Orders

Aided By: Department of Justice, Law enforcement agencies (ATF, FBI), Regulatory agencies & commissions (FDIC, FTC, etc)

Chief Diplomat(Director of Foreign Policy)

Carries out:Foreign policy Relations with other countries

Actions: Negotiates treaties, United Nations, Forms alliances (NATO) Appoints ambassadors

Aided By: State Department, Ambassadors, Peace Corps

Commander in Chief

In command of entire US military!!

Actions: Mobilizing for war Appointing Joint Chiefs of StaffConducting a draft

Aided By: Department of Defense, Defense-related organizations (CIA, NSA)

Chief Legislator(Legislative Leader)In charge of legislative direction of the nation

Can’t propose laws, but can ask Congress

Actions: Bring attention to potential issues & laws,

Asking Congresspeople to propose

lawsPutting pressure on votes. Presenting his plan in the State of the Union Address.

Aided By: Congresspeople from own party

Chief of Party(Head of Political Party)

Leader of their political Party!!Actions: Set party agenda, Suggest party officials, Fundraise for likeminded politicians

Aided By: Party chairpersons and other party officials

Economic GuardianHelping to establish a “prosperous America” or “ruin our way of Life”Setting or proposing economic policy, taxation, business development, etc.

Actions: Proposing revenue and/or spending to helping economic development.

Help create national budget.

Public vs. Private Sector

Aided By: Just about everyone, Commerce (BLS), Labor, Energy, Transportation, etc.

2 Truths and a Lie The President gets paid to throw large parties! The President can declare war if America’s national security

is threatened! The President has the power to appoint ambassadors!

2 Truths and a Lie The President has the right to withhold certain information

from Congress, if he thinks it would endanger America No president has ever made it to the highest office without

being elected to either the Presidency or the vice-presidency The President is allowed to campaign for other candidates of

his same party running for office

2 Truths and a Lie The power of the vice-presidency has been increasing since

the early 1990’s. The president is one of the highest paid members of

American society No president has ever been elected to more than two terms

Which “hat” do you think is the most significant? Why?