y
which prevails even in the highest station under our system of
government. Our institutions are based upon the principle embodied in
the Declaration of Independence, "That all men are created equal."

DIGNITY AND RESPONSIBILITY.--The office of President of the United
States is the highest in the gift of the people. "He represents the
unity, power, and purpose of the nation." He is the first citizen of
the United States, holding the position of highest dignity, influence,
and responsibility in the whole country. He directs the machinery of
the government, and is therefore held responsible by the people for the
conduct of public affairs, and largely for the condition of the country.

His term of office is called an administration. He and his official
advisers have the appointment of more than one hundred and fifteen
thousand officers of the national government.

MESSAGES.--At the opening of each regular session of Congress the
President sends or delivers to both houses his annual message, in which
he reviews events of the previous year, gives "information of the state
of the Union," and recommends the passage of such laws as he deems
"necessary and expedient." From time to time he gives information upon
special subjects, and recommends the passage of measures of pressing
importance. The heads of departments make yearly reports to the
President, which are printed for the information of Congress.

DUTIES AND POWERS.--The duties of the President are so extensive, the
burdens of his office so heavy, and his power so great, that the people
believe that no man, however wise and eminent, should hold the office
for more than two terms. Washington set the example of voluntary
retirement at the end of the second term, and it seems to be an
unwritten law that no President shall serve more than eight years in
succession. The duties of the office, so various and so burdensome,
are summed up in the provision of the Constitution: "He shall take care
that the laws be faithfully executed."

The President approves or vetoes all bills and joint-resolutions passed
by Congress, except those relating to questions of adjournment. All
measures vetoed must, within ten days after they are received, be
returned to the house in which they originated. The power to veto acts
of Congress is called the legislative power of the President.

He is _commander-in-chief_ of the army and the navy of the United
States, and of the militia of t