Executive Powers

During this topic, you learned about the powers granted to the President of the United States. As the head of the executive branch, the President is expected to assume several responsibilities. These presidential roles include the following:

• Chief of State;
• Chief Executive;
• Chief Administrator;
• Chief Diplomat;
• Commander-in-Chief;
• Chief Legislator;
• Chief of Party; and
• Chief Citizen.

In order to execute the office of the presidency effectively, the Constitution grants the President tremendous powers. The scope of these powers has grown over time, with different Presidents pushing the boundaries of the executive branch. Executive power is not limitless, as the system of checks and balances built in to the Constitution has prevented the President from gaining too much control over the government. Similarly, the executive branch's checks on the legislative and judicial branches maintain a balance of power. These executive checks include the presidential appointment of Supreme Court Justices and other federal judges, the power of clemency, and the presidential veto.

The President may be extremely influential or ineffective. It depends entirely on the person holding the office. Strong leaders have been able to use the presidency to change the course of American government and society in general.