The President is the figurehead of a club/society and takes ultimate responsibility for ensuring that the society runs smoothly and effectively. They are responsible for organising meetings and supporting all committee members. The President is the main person who shapes the aims of the society for the year, together with the Vice President and Secretary.
As head of government and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, the President has tremendous powers to shape the lives of Americans and the world. These powers are manifested in large military budgets, the presence of American troops abroad, and intelligence-gathering organizations. The President also appoints cabinet members and independent federal agencies, each with their own missions and responsibilities, and can use executive orders to direct their operations. These directives are subject to judicial review by federal courts, which can find them unconstitutional.
While most citizens understand that there are three official requirements to become President, students may be less familiar with the role’s many responsibilities. As a class, explore how the president’s responsibilities are evolving over time.
Encourage students to consider how their values might influence their decision on whether or not to run for the office. Then, invite them to create a list of the seven roles that they believe are necessary for someone who wants to be president to fulfill. In addition, have them review the “President for a Day” activity from The PBS Kids Democracy Project and discuss how they would approach their day-on-the-job duties as president.