President of the Confederate States

The President of the Confederate States of America was the elected head of state and government of the Confederate States. The president also headed the executive branch of government and was commander-in-chief of the Confederate Armed Forces, and of the militia of the several states when called into Confederate service.

Article II of the Confederate States Constitution vested the executive power of the Confederacy in the president. The power included the execution of law, alongside the responsibility of appointing executive, diplomatic, regulatory and judicial officers, and concluding treaties with foreign powers with the advice and consent of the Senate. He was further empowered to grant reprieves and pardons, and convene and adjourn either or both houses of Congress under extraordinary circumstances.

The president was indirectly elected by the people through the Electoral College to a single six-year term, and was one of only two nationally elected Confederate officers, the other being the Vice President.