People on both sides of the contrived left-right political divide seem equally certain about their judgments on our President’s performance over the last ten months. But the criteria we use to determine Presidential performance are usually based on our opinions about what WE value in a president, not on the Constitutional description of the job.
The United States Constitution is the ONLY document authorizing the existence of the Presidency, and the only job description available for the position. For convenience, let’s consider the work of our current President. Which of the following responsibilities has the President performed poorly, and how?
Approve or disapprove every Bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Approve or disapprove every Order, Resolution, or Vote to which the Concurrence of the Senate and House of Representatives may be necessary (except on a question of Adjournment).
Be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States.
Require the Opinion, in writing, of the principal Officer in each of the executive Departments, upon any subject relating to the Duties of their respective Offices.
Grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offenses against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment.
Make Treaties (by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate).
Nominate and appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States (by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate).
Fill up all Vacancies that may happen during the Recess of the Senate, by granting Commissions which shall expire at the End of their next Session.
From time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient.
On extraordinary Occasions, convene both Houses, or either of them, and in Case of Disagreement between them, with Respect to the Time of Adjournment, he may adjourn them to such Time as he shall think proper.
Receive Ambassadors and other public Ministers.
Take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed.
Commission all the Officers of the United States.
Preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.
So far, so good.