What Is the Role of the President As the Chief Diplomat?
As the Chief Diplomat, the President appoints American diplomats and ambassadors. He also receives ambassadors from countries around the world. He has the power to make the foreign policy of the United States.
Being a Chief Diplomat is one of the President’s important roles. He has the power to create treaties that are subject to ratification by the Senate. He has the authority to appoint and send ambassadors and meet with ambassadors from other countries. This constitutional authority is referred to as the “appointment power” of the President. The act of receiving a country’s representative implies recognition of the foreign government’s legitimacy. The President has the exclusive authority to determine which governments the United States recognizes. He also has the power to end relations with other countries. As the Chief Diplomat, he is responsible for building foreign relations and improving national security. Forming positive alliances is helpful in times of war and natural disaster. Aside from sending and receiving ambassadors, he appoints executive officers. Furthermore, he sets temporary appointments called “recess appointments” when Congress is not in session. Making recess appointments does not require the confirmation of the Senate. However, appointing ambassadors and executive officers requires Senate confirmation. Examples of activities performed by the President as the Chief Diplomat include writing letters to foreign leaders, meeting Japanese diplomats in the White House and traveling to London to talk with British officials.
