The United States of America has 3 elements that hold it all together, the Executive (POTUS), Judicial (SCOTUS) and Legislative (Congress). The Executive, better known as the President or POTUS, keeps the other two government branches in check while the Congress and Senate keep the President in check. While this may seem counterintuitive but this is what keeps this Republic running and not turning into a dictatorship or an Oligarchy.
Here is a list of 10 things the president can do:
10
The president makes $400,000 US annually, gets to live in a big house, huge staff and an additional expense fund totaling over $1 million every year. Even after retiring, the former Presidents get $200,000 a year with an additional $100,000 for staff.
9
One of the most important duties of the President is the execution of the laws faithfully as it is explicitly stated in the Constitution. The reason for this important duty is to prevent leaders suspending laws that they don’t agree with like with English Kings.
8
The President can be removed from office if he is convicted of offences including Treason, Bribery and other high crimes and misdemeanors. In such a situation, the Vice President is sworn in for the rest of the term as the President.
7
Presidential Executive Orders are given to the Federal Agencies and are legally binding but need Congressional Approval before being acted upon. However the orders known as National Security Directives, which are related to national security, don’t need Congressional Approval to be enforced.
6
The President can only be the President for a maximum two terms in his lifetime but can run for other offices after their presidency. An example would be President Andrew Johnson who served in the Senate until his death.
5
While only a Congress member can introduce new legislation for voting, the President can call to attention important pieces of legislation that he feels is important. This may include the President’s campaign promises or the annual budget which he can appoint specific Congress members to sponsor. An example of this is the Affordable Care Act, better known as Obamacare.
4
The President decides who represents the country’s interests overseas and is responsible for the United States’ foreign relations as well as peace treaties. He is the face of the country to the world.
3
The President has to right to refuse disclosing information to the public or other government branches due to the Executive Privilege. He can refuse to testify before congress (excluding his on criminal impeachment) and is the reason the Fast and Furious scandal wasn’t further investigated, which President Obama used protected the Justice Department.
2
The President can call in favors for his entertainment, like when, in 2016, President Barack Obama requested Game Of Thrones season six advanced episodes.
1
One of the most crucial duties of the President is to address the nation and its people during the most difficult times. The President is required to let the people know the reality and what is being done for their hopes and future. The Gettysburg Address by President Abraham Lincoln is a historical example of this duty.