Keeping in view all the protocol and respect that is given to the president of a country, it might seem bizarre to think he acts as a public servant. But could the president be a public servant, and what does this even mean?
The president of the United States of America is considered a public servant. He or she is expected to act in the public interest of the people and has been selected as a member of the government through an electoral process.
Read below to find out more about whether the president is a public servant.
Is the President a Public Servant?
Yes. A public servant is someone who has been chosen to serve the public at large through an electoral process or as appointed by the higher authorities. The word “public servant” is typically reserved for referring to politicians in a nation’s government, especially the president of that nation. These public servants are committed to serving the general public in a variety of capacities.
Duties of a President
Following are some of the duties of a president.
Chief of the Executive Branch
The president is responsible for ensuring the proper functioning of the country’s principal government agencies and the enforcement of the law. It is the responsibility of the president to select members of his or her Cabinet, federal judges, and justices for the Supreme Court; however, the Senate must provide its consent to each of these appointments. The president is responsible for delivering the annual budget to Congress.
Guardian of the Economy
The president keeps an eye on how the economy is doing. Someone in such a position of power may initiate government initiatives that facilitate the creation of new jobs for the American people and the expansion of existing ones for businesses.
Legislative Manager
The president has the authority to make proposals for legislation to Congress. The president also has the power to sign or veto bills into law. The president delivers a major speech to Congress every January called the State of the Union address. The president will lay out his or her vision for the country’s future in that speech.
Chief Diplomat
The president plays a pivotal role in shaping foreign policy, which is the decisions a country makes about its interactions with other countries. In this role, he or she signs treaties with other international leaders and travels extensively around the globe. However, the Senate’s approval is necessary before any such agreements may take effect.
Public Servant vs. Civil Servant
Although they may at first glance seem interchangeable, “civil service” and “public service” actually relate to very different things.
Civil Service
The term “civil service” is used to describe the body of government employees who are employed by various government agencies and departments. The government employs these people in a variety of positions and frequently chooses them based on their qualifications and merit.
Civil servants are tasked with carrying out administrative responsibilities, putting into action government policies and programs, and delivering fundamental public services.
People in civil service jobs usually get hired based on their qualifications, and they have to play by the book. In most cases, their employment with the government is secure and long-lasting.
Public Service
Generally speaking, “public service” is a broad term that refers to any job or position undertaken with the intention of serving the public interest. The term “public servants” can refer to people who work for the government, but it can also refer to those who work in the private sector, for nonprofit organizations, or in a variety of voluntary capacities.
Although civil service is a subset of public service, public service encompasses not just employment in the public sector but also any type of service or work that is performed for the benefit of the general public or a community.
What Qualities Should a Public Servant Possess?
A good public worker has the knowledge, experience, and character traits that allow them to fulfill their duties to the public, uphold the ideals of public service, and make positive contributions to society. Some of the most important traits of a good public servant are as follows:
Integrity: A person who works in public service is expected to be truthful, ethical, and dedicated to sustaining the highest possible standards of integrity. They have a responsibility to act in the public interest and avoid bias while making decisions.
Accountability: Accountability means holding public workers responsible for the outcomes of their actions and decisions as well as the use of the resources that have been entrusted to them. They need to be accountable for their actions and the results they produce.
Public Interest: Public workers have an obligation to put the public’s interests first and strive for the greater good of society as a whole. Their acts should demonstrate a heartfelt dedication to putting the public interest first.
Empathy: Good public servants have empathy and compassion for the people they serve. When addressing public concerns or delivering services, they do so with compassion and understanding.
Transparency: Transparency is crucial in both decision-making and communication. It is important for public servants to be transparent about their behaviors, policies, and procedures in order to establish confidence and credibility.
Expertise and Knowledge: Those in positions of public trust should be well-versed in their fields. Continuing one’s education and making progress in one’s vocation are both extremely important.
Problem-Solving Abilities: Public servants are expected to be excellent at recognizing and resolving difficult issues that are of concern to the general public. They should be able to think creatively about problems and act responsibly after considering all relevant factors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the president of the United States is considered to be a public servant, and it is an honorable position to hold because he is trusted to work in the interest of the public and the common good.
