American Presidents: George Washington through Barack Obama
The office of President of the United States is the most powerful, dignified and demanding political position in the world, and so must be the person who fills the position.
“Unlike Congress,” Albert Atwood said of the office of the presidency in 1933, “He is always in session. His is the incalculable strain of both ultimate leadership and final responsibility. He has no alibi. When all the experts and advisors have gone, he must fall back upon his own wisdom.”
Article 2 of the United States Constitution outlines the powers and duties of the President of the United States. The duties are many and varied. The President is commander in chief of the army, navy, and air force in times of war and peace. As head of state, the president meets and entertains all visiting foreign dignitaries. This may involve negotiating peace treaties, discussing foreign trade policy, appointing ambassadors, or hosting state dinners.
The president has the power to sign or veto bills and laws presented by Congress. Once a year, the president delivers the State of the Union address to tell Congress and the people how the nation is doing. The President presides over his cabinet, a group of distinguished professionals appointed to advise him in making decisions. He is the leader of his political party and frequently campaigns for and endorses members of his party.
The president’s ceremonial duties include awarding medals to heroes, laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, lighting the White House Christmas tree and greeting visitors. He leads the nation in times of grief and jubilation. The President is ultimately the moral compass of the nation.
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More than half of our nation's 44 presidents have visited the Lehigh Valley . President Truman (left) included Allentown on his "whistlestopping" campaign while seeking election in 1948. Theodore Roosevelt (right) made a speech when his train stopped in Allentown in 1905. |
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