The Presidency

The President of the United States is said to be the most powerful man in not only the United States, but also the world. He has the responsibility of overseeing the federal government as the top level executive as well as the role of Commander-in-Chief of the various branches of the United States military. He is the only one with the power to decide whether or not nuclear weapons are appropriate, and has the sole authority to send troops into war.

While it is not his sole responsibility to do so, the President is charged with the responsibility of developing and implementing federal policies, enforcing laws and treaties, preparing the national budget, and appointing officials for other seats in the federal government. The President also has the power to veto acts of Congress and grant pardons that other government officials might not have the power to do.

From the very first President, George Washington, the job has changed significantly. The United States is much larger and more powerful than it used to be, and the role of the President has changed to fit the needs of the times. These days, the President is an ambassador to countries around the world, implementing foreign policy and influencing other foreign dignitaries.

On January 20, 2009 Barack Obama was inaugurated as the 44th President of the United States. He is the first American President of African-American descent and was preceded by a varied list of heads of state before him.

The 44 Presidents of the United States of America: