The President of the United States is an enormously powerful figure who holds a lot of responsibility. Many of his roles are spelled out in the Constitution, while others were created by acts of Congress or through tradition. In the end, it is up to the President to implement laws passed by Congress and to deal with any problems that arise while he serves in office.
One of the most important parts of a president’s job is to represent the country in meetings with foreign leaders and countries. He also has the power to negotiate and sign treaties (with the advise and consent of Congress).
Another part of a president’s job is to act as Chief Executive Officer of the government. He implements the laws that Congress passes and vetoes bills that he doesn’t agree with. He also makes proposals about policies that should become laws — often in the annual State of the Union speech or special messages to Congress.
A President can also serve as Commander in Chief of the army and navy, and the militia when called to service. He can require the opinion, in writing, of the principal officers in each of the executive departments on any subject relating to their duties. And, he can grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States—with the advice and consent of Congress, except in cases of impeachment.
The word president comes from Latin prae “before” and sedere “to sit,” so it originally designated an official who presided over meetings of a social organization and ensured that debates were conducted according to the rules of order. The term became more commonly used as a title of the head of a state in a democracy, and then later in business, where it referred to the highest position within a company—typically the Chief Executive Officer.
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