he several States when engaged in the
national service. He does not command in person, but places the forces
under the orders of officers of his choice.

He may require information in writing from the heads of departments
upon subjects relating to their respective offices. As he appoints
these officers, and may remove them at his pleasure, the people hold
him responsible for their official conduct. He is held responsible for
the official actions of all officers of the executive department of the
government.

He may grant _reprieves and pardons_ for offenses against the United
States, except in cases of impeachment. Frequent appeals are made to
his pardoning power.

He may make _treaties_ with foreign countries, but before a treaty can
have any effect it must be submitted by him to the Senate, and must be
ratified by a vote of two thirds of the senators present. With the
consent of the Senate, he appoints ministers to foreign courts, consuls
to foreign countries, judges of the United States Supreme Court, and
other officers, of the national government. He fills vacancies in
office which occur during recesses of the Senate, by granting
commissions which expire at the close of the next session of the Senate.

He may, in cases of extreme necessity, call special session of
Congress, or of either house. If the Senate and the House of
Representatives fail to agree upon a time to which they shall adjourn,
the President may adjourn them to such time as he may think proper.
Such a necessity has never arisen, and therefore this power has never
been exercised.

The President may receive or refuse to receive ministers and other
agents of foreign governments. _To receive_ a minister is to recognize
the nation which he represents. He may also dismiss foreign ministers
who do not prove acceptable to our government.

He commissions all officers of the United States. The power to make
appointments of office is called his _patronage_. A civil service
commission, consisting of three commissioners, has been established by
act of Congress, to secure efficiency in the public service, and to
prevent the appointment of men to office as a reward for party work.
Before applicants for certain offices can be appointed they must pass
an examination prescribed by the civil service commission.

CABINET.

The President's cabinet is a council of ten official advisers,
appointed by him and confirmed by the Senate. They are often c