The President serves as the head of state and head of government in the United States, and is commander in chief of the armed forces. The President negotiates and signs into law or vetoes legislation passed by Congress, appoints high-ranking members of the executive branch and federal judges (subject to Senate approval), and is the head of a large number of independent Federal agencies that enforce and administer laws.
The framers of the Constitution envisioned that Presidents would serve as unifying leaders for all Americans and not just for their political party or core supporters. But with the growth of the nation into a world power and the rise of the American economy, the office has evolved into something much larger than the framers could have imagined.
During a presidential term, the President negotiates with other nations and leads the world in shaping global trends. Presidents are responsible for the country’s foreign policy and oversee a vast network of military and intelligence operations around the globe. The President also sets national priorities and appoints key figures to shape domestic policy, including U.S. attorneys, the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, and the secretary of Homeland Security — all subject to Senate approval. They are also the ceremonial heads of state who deliver the State of the Union address to Congress.
The President is also the defender of the Constitution and the chief executor of its laws. A successful President is able to take the country forward in a meaningful way, making real progress toward an American Dream that is affordable and attainable for everyone — by stopping endless wars, achieving energy independence, passing record-setting tax cuts, reforming Veterans Affairs, and bolstering our national security.