American Presidency Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

American Presidency - Essay Example In general, each man who has held the position, has faced somewhat similar circumstances while holding the job, but have been forced to approach them from an individualistic standpoint that stays true to their respective convictions, while outlining their legacies in the pages of the history books that future generations will come to read. As for the American Presidency, the following are listed under Article II of the US Constitution in regards to the issue of the role of the office of the Presidency and in particular the tools available to its occupant; Chief Diplomat: Under the Constitution, the president has more authority over foreign policy than the other branches of the government (but not sole authority). The president can negotiate treaties (with consent of the Senate), appoint diplomatic personnel, and has sole power to recognize governments. Commander-in-Chief: The Constitution places the president as the head of the armed forces of the United States. One way to look at this is that he is the general of the generals. This is important because it guarantees civilian control over the military (something missing in many countries of the world). One of the last major challenges to the presidency as commanderin-chief came when General douglas McArthur challenged Truman's policies during the Korean War which led to President Truman's firing of McArthur. Chief Legislator: No bill propos... Commander-in-Chief: The Constitution places the president as the head of the armed forces of the United States. One way to look at this is that he is the general of the generals. This is important because it guarantees civilian control over the military (something missing in many countries of the world). One of the last major challenges to the presidency as commanderin-chief came when General douglas McArthur challenged Truman's policies during the Korean War which led to President Truman's firing of McArthur. Chief Legislator: No bill proposed by the congress can become a law without the president's signature. Thus the president is also involved in the process of legislation. But the Constitution mandates that the president "from time to time" inform the congress on the state of the union (the U.S.). By tradition, this has become a yearly event known as the State of the Union Address. Through this address the president helps to set legislative priorities for the coming year. ("The Presidency", p.1). Different President's come into office at different times during the course of their nation's history. Contrary circumstances that can lead different men in vastly different directions and lead them to having distinct Presidencies in their own right. In regards to what would enable a President to succeed, as well as what could make then fail, "Two hundred years of our country's history suggest that five qualities have been constants in the men who have most effectively fulfilled the oath of office. First, every successful president has had vision, insight, or understanding: a clear idea of