Guide Note

The president is the head of state for the United States of America. He is both the national figurehead as well as the leader of the Executive Branch of the Federal Government.

Fast Facts

1. Resides in the White House, Washington, D.C.
2. Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Military
3. Appoints an advisory staff known as the Presidential Cabinet
4. Indirectly elected by U.S. Citizens
5. Term lasts for four years
6. 23rd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution limits the president to no more than two consecutive terms
7. First U.S. President: George Washington
8. Current U.S. President: George W. Bush

The President's Executive Branch is only one of three divisions of the U.S. Government. The Legislative Branch and Judicial Branch all work together in a system of "checks and balances" to ensure that no branch can exercise an unfair amount of authority over any other one.