February is not only the month for love, but it is the month we honor our country's highest leader - the president. Due in part to birthdays for Presidents Abraham Lincoln (Feb. 12) and George Washington (Feb. 22), President's Day has been the day we honor the executive branch of our country.

Originally known as Washington's Birthday, the federal holiday was established in 1880, but shifted to the third Monday of February in 1971 under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. Although promoted by many as Presidents Day, the holiday legally remains Washington's Birthday or Washington and Lincoln's Birthday in many states, including California.

This February, our thoughts may have turned to the Oval Office for a whole other reason, however. Feb. 5 is officially primary day in the state of California.

Whether a Democrat or Republican, tough decisions are to be made, with the toughest to be decided in November. For the first time in more than 50 years, a current president or vice president is not running for his party's nomination. And there is no clear front-runner yet in either party.

But just what is the role of the President of the United States?

Article two of the United States Constitution deals with the powers of the Executive branch, or in other words the President.

Section 1: Election

According to the Constitution, the president is elected by a complex system of electoral votes assigned to each state. Under this system it is possible in a close election to win the popular vote, but lose the electoral vote and thus the presidency.

A person must be 35 years old or older and be a U.S. citizen to run for office. According to the Constitution, the president receives the same wage for all four years and must take an oath before taking office. He also can't accept any other payment from the U.S. government or any of the state's governments.

Section 2: Power

As Commander in Chief of the military branches, he can ask the opinion of any principal officer. He can also grant pardons for offenses against the U.S. (except in cases of impeachment).

The president can make treaties, appoint ambassadors, Supreme Court judges and other appointments with the approval of the Senate. He can also appoint vacancies that happen during a Senate recess, but these appointments expire when the Senate reconvenes.

Section 3: Communication

The president is required to keep congress up to date with information and make recommendations. He also receives ambassadors and other public officials from foreign countries.

According to the Constitution, "he shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed, and shall commission all the officers of the United States."

Section 4: Disqualification

This short but sweet section deals with the termination of a current president.

"The president, vice president and all civil officers of the United States, shall be removed from office on impeachment for, and conviction of, treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors."

Basically, the President of the United States is a lot like the President of a major corporation. He (or she) sets the tone for the country, acts as a figurehead and keeps things on track. He can recommend and veto, but must work with the other branches to accomplish any major reform.

Yet, more than anyone, the president of the United States has to answer to the American public as well as other nations for the actions of our country. He is lauded when things go right and blamed when things go wrong. For four (or eight if reelected) years, he is the face of the United States.

Who do you want to be your face?