How much influence does the president really have in what happens in our government?

Question

Percentage wise approximately how much influence does the president have as opposed to the congress and house? What specific ways can the president affect decisions that become policy/laws?

Answer 1

The president elects certain people to key positions. Just compare the Clinton administration with the Bush administration. Or the Bush 43 administration to any other administration.

Answer 2

Its called balance of power.   The Congress passes legislation, but the President has veto power, and the power to appoint judges to the Supreme Court.    

It gets dangerous when we have a President and a majority in Congress from the same party.   We're a lot safer when they're deadlocked and can't do anything to us.