What makes the office of the american president unique

Explore the Initiative. The Sessions Podcast. Have you Ever Wondered How was the location of the White House selected? Which president started the tradition of pardoning the Thanksgiving turkey? Who oversees the White House and the Residence staff? Have any presidents or first ladies died at the White House?

When did the White House first get plumbing? See More Questions. Get in touch. Has every president worked in the Oval Office? How did the White House get its name? What is the Resolute Desk? Has the White House ever been renovated or changed?

Share Find us on Collection Decorative Arts in the White House Many people approach the decor of their homes as a reflection of oneself. Podcast James Hoban, Designer and Builder of the White House James Hoban came from humble beginnings as a young carpenter and architect in Ireland, and went on to collaborate with Collection An Artist Visits the White House Past From the beginning of its construction in , until the renovation that shaped the modern identity and functions of the interior Ronald Reagan, on the other hand, saw government as the problem, not the solution to the nation's problems.

The president is the highest-ranking officer in the armed services. As noted previously, presidents have shown no hesitation in filling this role by sending American forces to trouble spots around the world as an instrument of foreign policy. Acting as chief of state is a president's most visible function, whether meeting the heads of other countries, welcoming astronauts or college football champions to the White House, or opening the Olympic Games.

Although largely ceremonial, the role of chief of state makes an important statement to the world and the nation about the president as a leader.

The president not only decides the direction of American foreign policy but also plays an important role in carrying it out. During the Cold War era, for example, face-to-face meetings between leaders of the United States and the Soviet Union contributed to an easing of tensions and important arms-control breakthroughs; indeed, the relationship between Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev was key to ending the Cold War.

Bill Clinton was actively involved in Middle East peace negotiations during his administration. This type of activity is sometimes called summit diplomacy. The president is the chief administrator, or chief bureaucrat, of the nation and is ultimately responsible for all the programs in the executive branch.

Responsible for seeing that "all laws are faithfully executed," a president sets the broad policy for the executive departments and agencies rather than managing their day-to-day operations.

A president does not simply propose legislation but is actively involved in seeing that it becomes law. The White House staff maintains close contacts with Congress, while the president meets with Congressional leaders to press for passage of bills and calls individual members of Congress to ask for their vote. In instances of a divided government, in which the White House and Congress are controlled by different political parties, the president can appeal directly to the people for support.

Party Animals. Try This! Explore More. Fun Facts. Personality Quiz U. Are you an adventurer like Theodore Roosevelt? Or are you a peacekeeper like George Washington? Take this just-for-fun personality quiz to find out! AD "Our Country's Presidents".