DIGNITY AND RESPONSIBILITY.—­The office of President of the United States is the highest in the gift of the people.  “He represents the unity, power, and purpose of the nation.”  He is the first citizen of the United States, holding the position of highest dignity, influence, and responsibility in the whole country.  He directs the machinery of the government, and is therefore held responsible by the people for the conduct of public affairs, and largely for the condition of the country.

His term of office is called an administration.  He and his official advisers have the appointment of more than one hundred and fifteen thousand officers of the national government.

MESSAGES.—­At the opening of each regular session of Congress the President sends or delivers to both houses his annual message, in which he reviews events of the previous year, gives “information of the state of the Union,” and recommends the passage of such laws as he deems “necessary and expedient.”  From time to time he gives information upon special subjects, and recommends the passage of measures of pressing importance.  The heads of departments make yearly reports to the President, which are printed for the information of Congress.

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.