Final answer:
The excerpt from Article II of the U.S. Constitution highlights the President's role as Commander in Chief of the U.S. armed forces, affirming civilian authority over military operations and outlining the President's significant military powers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The President's Major Function as outlined in Article II of the U.S. Constitution
The excerpt from Article II of the U.S. Constitution describes one of the major functions of the President of the United States, which is serving as the Commander in Chief of the U.S. armed forces. This role includes the authority over the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and the militia of the several states when they are called into the actual service of the United States. The President is granted the military powers to lead the nation's defense and to federalize the National Guard in times of war or national emergency. The Constitution also emphasizes the principle of civilian control over the military, ensuring that even the highest-ranking military officers are accountable to an elected civilian leader.
In addition to this military role, the President has other significant powers and responsibilities, including the ability to require written opinions from the principal officers of the executive departments, grant reprieves and pardons for offences against the United States, and conduct foreign relations on behalf of the nation. These powers are balanced by other branches of government, such as the requirement for the Senate's approval to make treaties and appointments.