George W. Bush, 43rd President

Background

Born: July 6, 1946 in New Haven, Connecticut

Children: Barbara and Jenna

Graduated from Yale University in 1968

Graduated from Harvard University in 1975

Joined the Texas Air National Guard on May 27, 1968 and flew fighter jets.

Married Laura Welch in 1977.

Started his own company selling oil and natural gas in 1978.

Bought the baseball team, Texas Rangers, with other businessmen, in 1989.

Elected governor of Texas in 1994.

Sold the Texas Rangers in 1998.

Re-elected governor in 1998.

Won the presidential election in 2000.

Re-elected as president in 2004.

Accomplishments

First governor in Texas history to be elected to consecutive 4-year terms.

Signed into law the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.

In 2001, after the terror attacks, took unprecedented steps to create the Department of Homeland Security to counter the spread of terrorism.

Responsibilities of the President

Approve federal laws (bills) created by Congress (Senate and House of Representatives), which is the legislative branch of government.

Lead the nation's people, making sure citizens obey the laws and setting priorities for the country, including helping the Congress decide how the budget is spent.

Manage the government, making sure that decisions and programs are being carried out effectively, with the help of the vice president and appointed cabinet members who head different departments (agriculture, commerce, defense, education, energy, health and human services, housing and urban development, interior, justice, labor, state, transportation, treasury, veterans affairs).

Represent the U.S. in meetings with leaders of other countries, including signing treaties and other agreements (with approval from Congress) on behalf of the U.S.

Command the U.S. military, including declaring war (with approval from Congress).