Today, the President of the United States is an office that many Americans believe should be one of leadership and filled by a person who exemplifies the values of the American people. The presidency has changed greatly over time and some may argue that the office today is not what the founders of the United States had in mind. There are many opinions on the purpose of the office and how it should run. There are those who say that the office is weak and the President does not have enough power, yet others say that there is an abuse of power. The President has certain powers as found in the Constitution of the United States, but the role and job of the President has evolved from one President to the next. .
The Constitution lays out five basic powers that the President shall receive. The first power is Commander in Chief of the army and navy. While Congress has the power to declare war, the President has the ability to initiate the use of force or, "make war." (Thomas and Pika 20) The second power is the President as Chief Administrator, which gives the President the power of appointment, but by the advice and consent of the Senate. (Ellis 288) The third power is that of Chief Diplomat, meaning the President can make treaties and nominate ambassadors, but only by advice and consent of the Senate. The fourth is Chief Legislator, which requires the President to report to Congress on the State of the Union and make recommendations on necessary measures. This section gives the President the power of the veto, as well. (Thomas and Pika 21) The last main power the President is given in the constitution is Chief Magistrate. This simply means that the President "shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed." (Ellis 287) The powers of the executive branch are not as detailed in the Constitution as the powers of the legislative branch therefore; the office of the Presidency has expanded over time using the core powers it was given.
