As the leader of the United States of America and, some may even say the free world as a whole, the President of the United States has many roles and functions. Some of these roles are specifically conferred upon the President by the U.S. Constitution and others are required of him as part of the office of the president. Some of these roles include Commander-in-Chief, Chief Diplomat, Chief Legislator, Chief Magistrate, Chief Executive, Party Leader, Chief of State, Foreign Policy Director, and Popular Leader. Throughout this paper I will discuss these various roles of the president and relate them to President George W. Bush, giving specific examples when possible of when he has acted in each of these capacities. .

             One of the most important roles of the President of the United States is that of Commander-in-Chief. This is one of the president's most significant roles. It "means all of the military leaders report to and take orders from the president. The president performs this duty as a civilian, someone who is not in military service" (Constitutional) Therefore, the president has numerous advisors when it comes to setting military policy to ensure the actions taken are in the best interest of protecting the nation. It is very important for the country's national security to know who is in charge of the country's military discussions and the president is the final leader of the armed forces in this country. "The president's main duties as commander of the nation's armed services are to defend the country during wartime and to keep it strong during peacetime" (Roles of the President). Additionally, as Commander-in-Chief the president has the power to appoint the nation's highest military officers, although he cannot do so without Congressional approval. .

             The power of Commander-in-Chief was specifically conferred upon the president in the Constitution. Article 2, Section 2 of the United States Constitution states, "The President shall be commander in chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the militia of the several states, when called into the actual service of the United States" (Constitutional).