Monday, March 5, 1849 In the discharge of these duties my guide will be the Constitution, which I this day swear to "preserve, protect, and defend." For the interpretation of that instrument I shall look to the decisions of the judicial tribunals1 established by its authority and to the practice of the Government under the earlier Presidents, who had so large a share in its formation. To the example of those illustrious2 patriots I shall always defer3 with reverence, and especially to his example who was by so many titles "the Father of his Country." To command the Army and Navy of the United States; with the advice and consent of the Senate, to make treaties and to appoint ambassadors and other officers; to give to Congress information of the state of the Union and recommend such measures as he shall judge to be necessary; and to take care that the laws shall be faithfully executed—these are the most important functions entrusted to the President by the Constitution, and it may be expected that I shall briefly indicate the principles which will control me in their execution. 1. courts of justice 2. acknowledge 9 Which statement best describes the author's perspective? A. The courts of law will help the president make decisions when he cannot decide something on his own. B. The president will always respect, adhere to, and defend the Constitution and make all decisions after consulting with other authorities. C. The nation’s president should be patriotic and focused on building a strong military for national defense. D. The president will govern the nation by following the examples of famous presidents in the past, including the Father of the Nation.