The president is the chief executive of the United States and heads the executive branch, which includes the Cabinet, US Congress, the Judiciary, and all other departments and agencies of the government. They have broad discretionary power, including the ability to create laws and executive orders that direct federal programs and clarify and extend existing ones. The president is also the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, and they serve at his or her pleasure.
People who have similar ideas about how the government should work come together in political parties and compete in primary and caucus elections to win their party’s nomination for president. Once the final presidential candidate has been selected by party members, they campaign across the country to win the support of the general public.
If a candidate wins the majority of electoral votes (except in Maine and Nebraska), they become president. There are a total of 538 electoral votes, and a candidate needs an absolute majority (270 or more) to win.
After a candidate wins the majority of electoral votes, they are officially nominated for president and vice president. They will then choose their running mate, who will assist them in running the government and carrying out their platform. In addition, they must prepare for a national convention where party delegates will vote on whether to endorse them and confirm their nomination. If a candidate is unable to secure enough delegate support, they can drop out of the race and another candidate may take their place.