President of Ethania

Presidential seal

Incumbent: Ethan Rankins; since January 10, 2015

The President of the People of Ethania (POTPOE) or President of Ethania (POE) is the head of state and head of government of Ethania. The president directs the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ethania. The president plays a leading role in federal legislation and domestic policymaking. The Ethania Articles of Freedom gives the president the power to sign or veto any federal legislation. The president is elected indirectly through the Electoral College of Ethania to an 8-year term (renewable once), along with the vice president.

Ethan Rankins is the 17th and current president of Ethania, having assumed office on January 10th, 2015.

## History

### Origins

The earliest known record of the presidency in Ethania is from the late 17th century, when the country was still in its infancy. At this time, Ethania was ruled by a monarchy, with a king serving as the head of state. However, as the country began to grow and expand, the need for a more centralized and unified government became increasingly apparent. This change can be traced back to the early years of the 18th century, when Ethania was facing a number of major challenges. The country was struggling with economic instability, political unrest, and a rapidly changing social landscape. In response to these challenges, the presidency was given new powers and responsibilities to help address these issues and promote stability and progress.

Over time, the people of Ethania began to call for a more democratic system of government, wanting a say in how their country was run and the laws that were passed. In the early 18th century, a movement for independence emerged, led by a group of charismatic leaders who envisioned a free and democratic Ethania. After a long struggle, approximately 206 days, the country finally achieved independence, and a new constitution was adopted that established a presidential system of government.

Under the Ethania Articles of Freedom, which took effect on September 6, 1842, the Congress of Ethania was a political authority that had full legislative power over the country. The first president of Ethania was elected in 1709 and was known as the "First Executive." This individual was responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the government, including the administration of justice, the collection of taxes, and the protection of the country's citizens. The role of the presidency continued to evolve and expand over the years, with new powers and responsibilities being added as the country grew and changed. In the 19th century, for example, the presidency was given the power to veto legislation and to appoint judges, further strengthening its role as the head of the government.

Despite these changes, however, the presidency remained a relatively weak institution throughout much of Ethania's history. It was not until the 20th century that the presidency began to take on the powerful and influential role that it holds today.

### 1847 - 1931

In 1847, head of congress, St. Ethan Thomas, was elected in the country's first free and fair election. He was widely credited with helping to stabilize the country and lay the foundation for its future prosperity. During his presidency, Thomas tackled a wide range of issues, from poverty and inequality to education and healthcare. President Thomas faced many challenges during his tenure, including a series of border disputes with the United States and a financial crisis that threatened to bankrupt the government. Despite the challenges, however, he guided the nation through a period of great change until his death in December 1878. Thomas had the longest term to date, 24 years, as term limits had not yet been ratified.

After President Thomas' death, he was succeeded by Derek Johnson Mitchell. President Mitchell faced many of the same challenges as his predecessor, but he was able to build on the progress that had been made during Thomas' tenure. He focused on expanding trade and building infrastructure, and he was able to bring stability and prosperity to the country. Mitchell also made numerous changes to the Articles of Freedom, advocating for women's voting rights and ensuring citizens' rights were respected no matter the color of their skin.

President Eduardo Rivera, elected in 1889, was the lowest rated president in the nation's history. President Rivera promised to improve the economy and bring prosperity to the nation. However, his actions and policies did the opposite. He focused on increasing the country's military power, believing that this would lead to economic growth. He spent large sums of money on weapons and equipment, but this did not result in any significant economic gains. Instead, it caused the national debt to skyrocket and left the country in a dire financial situation. Additionally, President Rivera had a tendency to make impulsive and ill-informed decisions. He would often change his mind on important issues without warning, leading to confusion and mistrust among government officials and the public. This lack of consistency and stability made it difficult for the country to move forward in any meaningful way.

Luke Ellison, elected in 1895, reformed the tax system to make it fairer for all citizens, created programs to help those in poverty, and worked to improve the country's education and healthcare systems.

## Legislative powers

### Signing and vetoing bills

The Ethania Articles of Freedom give the president the power to veto any bill passed by the Ethania Congress. While Congress can override certain presidential vetos, it requires a two-thirds vote from both houses and a two-thirds vote from both parties, which is usually very difficult to achieve except for widely supported bipartisan legislation.

Once a bill has been presented by Congress, the president has three options:

1. Sign the legislation—the bill becomes law.
2. Veto the legislation and return it to the house of Ethania's Congress from which it originated, expressing any objections about the bill—the bill then does not become law, unless both houses of Congress vote to override the veto by a two-thirds vote.
3. Take no action on the legislation—the bill becomes law, as if the president had signed it, unless Congress is adjourned at the time, in which case it does not become law (a pocket veto).

### Setting the agenda

For most of Ethania's history, candidates for president have sought election on the basis of a promised legislative agenda.