Final answer:
The U.S. President does wield rational-legal authority which plays a significant role in the political landscape of the United States, especially in foreign policy and executive action.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the U.S. President wields rational-legal authority which plays a larger role in U.S. political life is true. Rational-legal authority is based on a belief in the legitimacy of the governmental structure and its laws, rather than the individual holding the office. Modern representative democracies, such as the United States, exemplify this form of authority.
The President operates within the confines of the established system, holding legitimized power mostly in foreign policy as the commander-in-chief of the military, and the authority to enter into executive agreements. In domestic policy, presidents can influence legislative decisions, possess the power to pardon, and issue executive orders.