“The greatest of leaders are chosen by God. Those leaders must then choose whether to fulfill their destiny.” Jason W. Swindle Sr.
Contrary to the views of many Americans and people across the world, the President of the United States (POTUS) is not responsible to be politically correct, nice, a gentleman (which is preferred), a nurse maid to other nations, have specific political views, make a person’s life easier, give money, or be perfect.
As many know, I am a conservative Republican. The mother of my boys honored me by agreeing to name our second son “Reagan.”
There are very strong opinions regarding our current and past presidents. Even though I have right-wing views, I consider Democrat Franklin D. Roosevelt as the second most effective and courageous president in history. Presidents should be judged by how effective they are in protecting the nation. They should not necessarily be judged on party affiliation.
Also, they should not be judged on their temperament nor bookworm intellect. President Ronald Reagan, a gentleman, was the greatest president in history. God did not give him the gift of professor-like intelligence. But Reagan was tough, surrounded himself with very gifted advisors, and struck fear into the greatest threat in the world at the time: the Soviet Union.
President Trump is no gentleman and quite frankly arrogant and rude. But he is as tough as Reagan, plain-spoken as President Harry Truman, and strikes fear into the hearts of the enemies of the United States like the Islamic State of Iran.
While we can debate regarding which president was good, bad, or indifferent, there is no question regarding the duties of the POTUS.
The duties of the POTUS are clearly written in the Constitution of the United States.
The POTUS is to:
- Serve as Chief Executive. Implements and enforces laws passed by Congress, directs federal agencies, and appoints officials, including Cabinet members and federal judges.
- Serve as Commander in Chief. In charge of all armed forces, deploying troops and directing military operations, conducts foreign policy, and acts as the nation’s symbolic head of state while balancing legislative and judicial powers. This includes signing or vetoing legislation, appointing officials, making treaties (with Senate consent), and ensuring that laws are faithfully executed.
- Serve as Chief Diplomat. Manages foreign affairs, receives ambassadors, and negotiates trade agreements.
- Serve as Chief Legislator. Proposes legislation, delivers the State of the Union, and uses the veto power to check Congress.
- Serve as Chief of State. Acts as the ceremonial head of the nation, inspiring patriotism and representing the military strength of the U.S. to the world.
Basically, the POTUS has the responsibility of protecting Americans from domestic and foreign threats by any means necessary.
The POTUS also has some lesser duties. With assistance from trusted advisors, the president fills thousands of federal positions, including judges, ambassadors, and agency heads, subject to Senate approval.
At the end of a presidency, the president will usually grant a number of pardons and reprieves for federal offenses.
He or she will also use the power of Executive Orders. These directives are broad and manage the federal government’s operations.
While many believe that the United States is a democracy, this is untrue. The United States is a Constitutional Republic, which means that the citizenry votes for their state and local representatives who then vote on measures on behalf of their constituency.
While the POTUS is the most powerful person in the world, our system of government involves significant checks and balances. The POTUS must work with Congress (approving laws, budgets, and treaties) and the judiciary (interpreting laws) to govern effectively—all while leading the executive branch.
While we all have our favorites and disappointments, it is critically important to understand and appreciate the service and duty of all the men who have made the Oval Office their home.