The President is responsible for implementing and enforcing the laws written by Congress and, to that end, appoints the heads of the federal agencies, including the Cabinet. The Vice President is also part of the Executive Branch, ready to assume the Presidency should the need arise.
The president cannot accomplish much by merely issuing orders. Getting things done requires persuading others that acting to advance the president’s goals is in their own best interest. … Like presidents, chiefs must marshal their power to persuade if they want to be effective.
A PRESIDENT CAN . . .
- make treaties with the approval of the Senate.
- veto bills and sign bills.
- represent our nation in talks with foreign countries.
- enforce the laws that Congress passes.
- act as Commander-in-Chief during a war.
- call out troops to protect our nation against an attack.
Perhaps the most important of all presidential powers is command of the United States Armed Forces as commander-in-chief. While the power to declare war is constitutionally vested in Congress, the president commands and directs the military and is responsible for planning military strategy.
