Aug 28, 2008 11:28PM GMTAugust 28, 2008 23:28:27

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raves +5  
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Is the President of the United States of America just a figure head?

Some people say this. I'm never sure. I mean what power and influence does the president have with all of the checks and balances going on in Government?
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raves +3   by Art

Answered No, not just a figure head!

No it is the most powerful job in the world.
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  • raves     [-] by ZenQuixote

    Answered Yes, just a figure head.

    and someone for corporations to lay blame on.
  • raves +1   [-] by Uh Oh

    Answered No, not just a figure head!

    A figure head can't take a bill and shove it up Congress' @$$, can it? A figure head can't scoup an entire army and dump them into war, can it? No, the President of The United States is not just a figure head. As someone stated earlier, it is the MOST POWERFUL position on earth.
  • raves     [-] by Janie

    Answered Yes, just a figure head.

    Pretty much yes.
  • raves     [-] by runningintriangles

    Answered I dunno

    I suppose it depends on who the President is. I'd say for the last eight years, yes. But what do I know, I'm just some random Canadian chick.
  • raves     [-] by Edventure

    Answered I dunno

    It seems so for the past 8 years, the corps have had their way. I think things are about to change.
  • raves +1   [-] by Not Einstein

    Answered No, not just a figure head!

    But the Queen of England is.
  • raves     [-] by fll

    Answered No, not just a figure head!

    The President does have a great deal of power, albeit checked by the Legislative and Judiciary branches of the governmant, but has a great deal of latitude...especially when the Congress is so timid, and the SC is mostly conservative, these days....
  • raves     [-] by jessica

    Answered I dunno

    i hope so though. precident bush couldent be the man for the job if it wasnt the case. the man/woman behind the certen said "hahaha lets give them a good laugh......lol
  • raves +1   [-] by art.and.apples

    Answered Yes, just a figure head.

    he/she's the mouth of his/her party, and the parties are control by various interest groups...in a nutshell.
  • raves +1   [-] by Jamie (goofygirl)

    Answered No, not just a figure head!

    More than a figure head. I think this election we have made it seem that way, but no, the president needs to be strong and sure of what they are doing, they need to have a strong cabinet and a strong backbone.
  • raves     [-] by Madhatter-50 Days and counting

    Answered No, not just a figure head!

    In many cases, I agree. The old saying is "The President PROPOSES, the Congress DISPOSES."

    The President carries with him a burden however, that cannot be passed on to others. And that is the Image of this Country when meeting world leaders. The IMAGE of the office over seas is not something he can pass off. If he choses a weak Sec Of State, Like Condi Rice, people will point at HIM, not at us. The President can sway people. If he has a strong friendly relationship with Congress, things will go smoothly. Look at the first 6 years under Jethro. He gave them every dime they wanted and they licked his ass. That came to a screaming halt in 2006.

    And yet, it doesn't have to. Bill Clinton had a great working relationship with a Republican Congress.
  • raves +1   [-] by Ash

    Answered I dunno

    I kinda feel as though he is, just a single person we can blame for the mistakes and praise for the successes. I mean he really doesnt run the country alone, yes he may hold the most power..but i still kinda think hes just a figure head.
  • raves +3   [-] by Art

    Answered No, not just a figure head!

    No it is the most powerful job in the world.
  • raves     [-] Madhatter-50 Days and counting replied to Art
    You will have to admit, Art, that there are times in working Domestically where you really have to wonder how strong the President really is. I think what you say carries a great deal more weight abroad (well....it did at one time) than it does here. We tend to snicker at those who want to give themselves 'aires'.
  • raves     [-] Art replied to Madhatter-50 Days and counting
    You are right...anybody that tries to make people think that by his mere presence, those that hate us will start to love us is deluded.
  • raves +1   [-] by mrigor

    Answered No, not just a figure head!

    Vetoes congress
    Appoints Supreme Court judges, ambassadors, ministers, and consuls
    Picks people for his cabinet including VP
    Can start wars
    And numerous other powers makes it an important role
  • raves     [-] Madhatter-50 Days and counting replied to mrigor
    Cannot start wars without the permission of Congress. (Congress or the Senate?)
  • raves     [-] mrigor replied to Madhatter-50 Days and counting
    Yet we attacked Iraq without a formal declaration.
  • raves +1   [-] by Sister Jean

    Answered No, not just a figure head!

    Cheney had a lot of power I think $$$$$$$$$$$$$ rules
  • raves +2   [-] by Dave Sawyer

    Answered No, not just a figure head!

    The Democrats are blaming him for all our problems even though they have majority in the House and Senate, so he must have a lot of power.

    democrats blaming problems majority house senate power
  • raves +1   [-] Madhatter-50 Days and counting replied to Dave Sawyer
    DEEP breath Dave....Democrats have held power for 18 months. It took Jethro 6 years to shred this country. Cleaning up his mess alone will take years. Cleaning up the PORK spent by his cronies in the Congress may take much longer.
  • raves +1   [-] Dave Sawyer replied to Madhatter-50 Days and counting
    Democrats are at least as well known for pork spending as Republicans. Whose cronies are the Democrats?