Function of POTUS

Question 1

Main Role

Answer 1

Enforce laws

Question 2

Commander-in-Chief

Answer 2

Directs the military and armed forces.
Example: President Obama authorized Operation Neptune Spear (2011) to kill Osama bin Laden.

Question 3

Treaty Power

Answer 3

Negotiates and signs treaties, subject to Senate approval.
Example: President Obama signed the Paris Climate Agreement (2015); President Biden rejoined in 2021.

Question 4

Appointment Power

Answer 4

Appoints federal judges, ambassadors, and key officials.
Example: President Biden appointed Merrick Garland (2021) as Attorney General.

Question 5

Pardon Power

Answer 5

Grants pardons and reprieves, except in cases of impeachment.
Example: President Ford pardoned Richard Nixon (1974) after the Watergate scandal.

Question 6

Veto Power

Answer 6

Rejects congressional legislation.
Example: President Trump vetoed the Defense Bill (2020) over social media policy concerns.

Question 7

State of the Union

Answer 7

Recommends policies and addresses Congress on the nation’s status.
Example: President Biden delivered the State of the Union (2023), outlining his administration’s goals.

Question 8

Convene or Adjourn Congress

Answer 8

Calls Congress into session during emergencies.
Example: President Truman convened a special session of Congress in 1948 to address civil rights and inflation

Question 9

Faithful Execution of Laws

Answer 9

Ensures laws are implemented and followed.
Example: The DACA program (2012) was implemented by executive action under President Obama

Question 10

Commission Officers

Answer 10

Appoints military officers and federal judges.
Example: Presidents routinely issue commissions to military generals and federal judges.

Question 11

Receive Ambassadors

Answer 11

Represents the U.S. in diplomatic relations.
Example: President Trump met with Kim Jong Un (2018) as part of diplomatic efforts with North Korea.