DUTIES AND POWERS.--The duties of the President are so extensive, the burdens of his office so heavy, and his power so great, that the people believe that no man, however wise and eminent, should hold the office for more than two terms. Washington set the example of voluntary retirement at the end of the second term, and it seems to be an unwritten law that no President shall serve more than eight years in succession. The duties of the office, so various and so burdensome, are summed up in the provision of the Constitution: "He shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed."
The President approves or vetoes all bills and joint-resolutions passed by Congress, except those relating to questions of adjournment. All measures vetoed must, within ten days after they are received, be returned to the house in which they originated. The power to veto acts of Congress is called the legislative power of the President.
He is commander-in-chief of the army and the navy of the United States, and of the militia of the several States when engaged in the national service. He does not command in person, but places the forces under the orders of officers of his choice.
He may require information in writing from the heads of departments upon subjects relating to their respective offices. As he appoints these officers, and may remove them at his pleasure, the people hold him responsible for their official conduct. He is held responsible for the official actions of all officers of the executive department of the government.
He may grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States, except in cases of impeachment. Frequent appeals are made to his pardoning power.
He may make treaties with foreign countries, but before a treaty can have any effect it must be submitted by him to the Senate, and must be ratified by a vote of two thirds of the senators present. With the consent of the Senate, he appoints ministers to foreign courts, consuls to foreign countries, judges of the United States Supreme Court, and other officers, of the national government. He fills vacancies in office which occur during recesses of the Senate, by granting commissions which expire at the close of the next session of the Senate.
He may, in cases of extreme necessity, call special session of Congress, or of either house. If the Senate and the House of Representatives fail to agree upon a time to which they shall adjourn, the President may adjourn them to such time as he may think proper. Such a necessity has never arisen, and therefore this power has never been exercised.
The President may receive or refuse to receive ministers and other agents of foreign governments. To receive a minister is to recognize the nation which he represents. He may also dismiss foreign ministers who do not prove acceptable to our government.
He commissions all officers of the United States. The power to make appointments of office is called his patronage. A civil service commission, consisting of three commissioners, has been established by act of Congress, to secure efficiency in the public service, and to prevent the appointment of men to office as a reward for party work. Before applicants for certain offices can be appointed they must pass an examination prescribed by the civil service commission.