Key Roles of the U.S. President: Chief Executive & Commander in Chief

Core Concepts

Learn about two of the most important constitutional roles of the President of the United States: being the head of the executive branch (Chief Executive) and the leader of the U.S. military (Commander in Chief).

Key Roles of the U.S. President: Chief Executive & Commander in Chief

1 of 8

Who is the Commander in Chief of the U.S. military?

The President is the Commander in Chief of the military.

What does the President's role as 'Commander in Chief' entail?

As Commander in Chief, the President has supreme command and control over all U.S. armed forces.

Who is in charge of the executive branch?

The President is in charge of the executive branch.

What is the President's main duty as the 'Chief Executive'?

As Chief Executive, the President's main duty is to enforce and carry out the laws passed by Congress.

What is the group of senior advisors to the President, who head the executive departments, called?

This group is called the Cabinet.

What is an 'executive order'?

An executive order is a directive issued by the President to federal agencies, which has the force of law without requiring congressional approval.

What document gives the President the power to be the Commander in Chief and Chief Executive?

The U.S. Constitution grants the President these powers, primarily in Article II.

While the President is Commander in Chief, who has the sole power to declare war?

Only Congress has the constitutional power to declare war.

Key Roles of the U.S. President: Chief Executive & Commander in Chief

Confirm Action

Prompt