But congress has nearly all the power... how can a guy who can only control the executive branch - with congressional approval, and foreign matters - with congressional approval, exercise power when he can't even spend money that congress doesn't let him spend? The president is literally the 387th weakest position in the federal government. Right behind the entirety of Congress. The president is literally does only what congress will allow... Congress, if you remember: Sets budgets. Spends money. Determines Supreme Court size. Controls the Supreme Court (Can force the court to take up a case or can negate a case resolution via legislation). Says who the president may appoint to any position. Says what deals the president is allowed to enact with other countries. Can modify the constitution. Can force laws to be passed (overriding a veto). Impeach any government official (congress, courts, president, etc.) for "misbeavior" - yeah, high threshold there. It goes on and on and on... I mean seriously, why do americans look to the president as if he can actually do anything?