The role of the president in the United States has changed since the creation of the presidency. In today’s world, the powers of the president have expanded far from what was conceptualized by our nation’s framers. The traditional role of a president was expected to have minimal responsibilities and framers had small expectations for the head of the executive branch. Unlike the more rigid boundaries set for Congress, those who created our constitution did not see a reason to specify the powers of a president. This ambiguity was unofficially made less so by the first few presidents, especially George Washington. He was able to oversee the government and provide a part in the checks and balances as envisioned by the framers. 

However, as the world moved towards the industrial revolution and became more globalized, so too did the presidency expand. Presidents like Franklin D. Roosevelt used the executive branch far beyond its original limits in order to pull the United States out of the Great Depression. Other presidents have used their role as the Commander in Chief to use military forces abroad (with the help of a compliant Congress). A president is also the head of government and the head of state. They are supposed to preside over the government and are responsible for the execution and enforcement of laws created by Congress. They also represent the United States to other governments of foreign countries.

The president has far more responsibilities than what was originally envisioned by the framers. A president is now the head of many bureaucracies that run the government. The president’s cabinet is their selection of how they want the federal government to be run and the many presidential advisors help make critical national decisions. A president can also be a great unifying (or dividing) force. In times of crisis, many American presidents have served as one who guides the will of the American people as the leader of a nation. Presidents can also divide a nation by making alienating statements and inciting hatred between the diverse groups of American people. 

All together, the role of a president is ever changing with the current times. The framers would not recognize the current role of the presidency from what they had originally created. Many presidents have overstepped unofficial precedents of their office in order to achieve their goals for the United States and its people. Although it may seem concerning that this has been done, it can be justified by presidents as a necessity in order to fulfill the responsibilities inherent in their role in the government. However, it can also be seen as a precursor to more imperial presidencies. The president has to find a delicate balance between their responsibilities and keeping in line with the ambiguous framework of their duties. The only question is if the elected president is able or willing to strike this balance.