The President has a pretty big role. He or she is head of state, head of government, and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. That sounds like a lot, but the Executive Branch shares power with the Judicial and Legislative Branches. If Congress makes laws, and the Judicial system decides what they mean, then the President is responsible for their enforcement.

 

Day to day this looks more like working with the heads of some of the fifteen Presidential executive committees, like Department of Education or the Department of Defense. Secretaries of these agencies are appointed by the President, and work together with members of the Executive Office of the President to advise the president and ensure the country runs smoothly.

The President is also required to give a State of the Union speech where he or she outlines their plan for the upcoming year. This typically happens in front of both houses of Congress each January.

 

Sometimes Presidential responsibilities cross with roles in other branches of government, like when they sign or veto legislation from Congress or issue a Presidential pardon.

 

Presidents are elected every four years and can serve at maximum two terms.
 

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