U.S. presidents are the elected leaders of the United States, serving as both the head of state and the head of government. They are responsible for enforcing laws, directing the executive branch, and representing the country in international affairs. The president is elected for a four-year term and can serve a maximum of two terms, as established by the 22nd Amendment. The first U.S. president was George Washington, who took office in 1789. Since then, there have been 46 presidents, with Joe Biden being the current president as of 2023. Each president has played a significant role in shaping the nation's policies and history.