The many powers of the President have expanded tremendously since the beginning of our nation. These changes have been made, for the most part, because of certain events that have taken place in the past. Some of these changes have been made because of outside contributions, such as the press. The following will sort this subject out and make clear why the powers of the president have grown.
             Article II of the US Constitution grants the president numerous powers and responsibilities, but the authority granted to the modern presidency far exceeds the constitutional definition of office. And through the years, a variety of presidential roles have evolved that were not originally or specifically outlined in the Article. Some of these roles were legislated by congress, the courts granted some, and powerful presidents assumed others.
             The president's first role is as chief executive, the head of the executive branch and most of its workers. He is responsible for the ethics, loyalty, efficiency, and responsiveness of the federal government and its employees. The evolution of the chief executive's primary role provides a useful example of how the presidential power has developed through the years.
             At the outset, the Constitution granted the chief executive the power to appoint all officials in the executive branch, but after George Washington's term. Custom gave the chief executive power to remove appointees. Finally, legislation granted him the power to reorganize agencies and to prepare the budgets.
             In the role of chief of state, the president acts as a ceremonial head of the federal government. This is an extremely important role, for in this capacity, the president must greet distinguished visitors, bestow medals, and host state dinners. The impression he gives others while performing these duties can help him gain support, lift his reputation, and help towards reelection. President William Howard Taft once sai...