ok, I’m not political. I don’t get into debates, I’ve don’t want to judge you for liking one candidate over another. But this election seems to be getting more people involved than ever before! And……..I’m slightly ashamed to admit this…….but I’m not 100% certain what the american presidents responsibilities are. What does the president actually do? I mean, I know he’s not a dictator. Because there is still congress. He/She needs congressional approval for almost all of their actions. And if the president behaves really badly, the constitution gives the House of Representatives the right to vote and impeach the president. So the president has power, but not all the power. So if you are like me and wondering what exactly we are “voting for” on November 8th – here is a condensed job description of what the President ACTUALLY DOES.
Here are the 7 fancy Titles of the President:
(1) chief of state,
(2) chief executive,
(3) chief administrator,
(4) chief diplomat,
(5) commander in chief,
(6) chief legislator,
(7) party chief, and
(8) chief citizen.
The president is the head of all the divisions of the country. He/She is the symbol of all the people of America. The ceremonial head of our government. But when the president gets elected he/she choses a “Cabinet” and 8 associate justices of the supreme court. That’s a big deal right? He/She will most likely chose people that think like them and carry the same moral values. Is that a comforting or scary thought? Moving on!
The cabinet that the president choses, has fifteen spots or “heads of departments”. Secretaries of Agriculture, Labor, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Transportation, Energy, Education, and Homeland Security are among some of the Cabinet member titles. These are huge roles, that trickle down to effect the little people. And the president gets to choose these leaders. Remember you are choosing who will choose for you.
Another big influence that the president has, is deciding whether a bill gets sign, revised or veto-ed! That’s a lot of power! A bill has to be approved by the House and the Senate. Once Congress has approved a bill, it goes to the president for approval. Laws are bills that have been signed by the president. Laws! The Rules! Your president can essentially change or make new laws! Remember that little fact when you are in the voting booth.
So aside from, choosing a cabinet (#squadgoals), establishing relationships & agreements with the sometimes crazy unstable world leaders (sugar in your tea, Putan? Cream in yours, kim jong un?) , appointing supreme court justices to interpret laws, signing/veto-ing bills – what does the president do all day?
Thanks for reading all this, thanks for trying to stay informed on the big change coming this election year. (Did I take you back to your 6th grade Civics class? Or maybe a school house rock session?) I hope this gives you some clarity and helps you better understand what we are voting for – which ever way you swing. It’s kind of a big deal. 🙂
xo
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