Presidency of the United States
The Presidency of the United States is the institution of the head of state and head of government established by Article II of the Constitution. The president leads the executive branch, serves as commander in chief of the armed forces, conducts foreign policy, signs or vetoes legislation, and oversees the faithful execution of federal law.
Constitutional basis
- Article II establishes the office, powers, and method of selection.
- Key amendments include the Twelfth (electoral procedure), Twentieth (inauguration timing), Twenty-Second (two-term limit), and Twenty-Fifth (succession and disability).
Powers and duties
- Commander in chief of the U.S. Armed Forces.
- Appointments of principal officers and federal judges with Senate confirmation.
- Treaties negotiated by the executive, requiring Senate approval.
- Legislation role: sign or veto bills; recommend measures to Congress.
- Executive orders and memoranda to manage the executive branch.
- Pardons and commutations for federal offenses (except impeachment).
Selection and tenure
- Indirect election via the Electoral College (United States).
- Inauguration ordinarily on January 20; four-year term; limited to two elected terms by the Twenty-Second Amendment.
Succession, disability, and removal
- Presidential succession is fixed by the Presidential line of succession statute.
- The Twenty-Fifth Amendment provides procedures for temporary transfer or permanent vacancy.
- The president may be removed upon impeachment by the House and conviction by a two-thirds vote of the Senate.
Organization of the presidency
- Executive Office of the President (EOP): includes the White House Office, National Security Council, Office of Management and Budget, Council of Economic Advisers, National Economic Council, and other units.
- Cabinet of the United States: department heads and other senior advisers.
- The Vice President of the United States serves in both executive and legislative roles and advises the president.