The President's job description

By Amber LeClear
Staff Writer
On Nov. 4, the polls opened at 7 a.m. nationwide. In Michigan, more than five million residents cast their votes, according to the secretary of state’s office. In some places the lines were enormous. People waited hours to cast their votes on issues, from the president on down to local concerns.
“At a time like this, many citizens felt that it was important to cast their votes, so they waited as long as they had to, to make their voices heard,” said Heather Smith, Rockthevote.com. The lines reflected the turn out of young voters, 24 million young voters. That is more than ever in American history, according to Rockthevote.com.
What does the president’s job entail? Well, there are many things that President-elect Barack Obama will do while in office, but the main job is representing the United States of America.
“Though the president may not be able to do everything expected of him, at the very least he represents our country. That is important,” said campaign follower, Joel Carter, a graduate student in Houston, Texas.
Other than that, the president has many duties; however, most are subject to review by Congress. The President may appoint ambassadors, public ministers, consuls, and all other offices of the United States. This allows him to choose many people to serve in his administration; however, the appointments must be approved by a Senate majority.
As president, Obama will also have the authority to veto laws. If he does not agree with a law, he can simply veto it and the law will not go into effect. Congress can override the veto, only if two thirds of the Senate and House agree with Congress. The president can also make recommendations to Congress. However, these are simply recommendations, not demands. Congress can completely ignore or change the president’s requests.
The president has the power to inform and persuade. He is required from time to time to give Congress information in the State of the Union address. Presidents often speak publicly during office, but the most widely known is the State of the Union address. During this time, he informs America of his plans and goals. He can persuade voters of many different things. He normally sets aside his faults and focuses on his achievements. This address is a powerful tool. As president, Obama will have many other duties, but mostly, he is expected to conduct foreign policy, manage the economy, promote desired legislation, respond to disasters and address the endless amount of social problems.
Of all the things Obama will be expected to do, fix, or maintain, it will take time. “The government cannot turn on a dime,” said Craig Korpela, adjunct instructor of interdisciplinary studies, in a previous interview. What is certain: come Jan. 20, 2009, the country will have a new president.