An important duty of the president is addressing Congress. The president does not appoint senators, as senators are elected by the people (or state legislatures prior to the 17th Amendment). The president also does not create laws—that is the role of Congress. While the president funds the military indirectly via the budget proposal, actual funding decisions are made by Congress.

Explanation of Duties

• The president has the duty to address Congress, such as delivering the State of the Union address and recommending measures to Congress.

• Presidential appointments include federal judges, ambassadors, and heads of federal agencies, but not senators.

• The president signs or vetoes laws passed by Congress but does not create laws directly.

• Funding the military is controlled by Congress through budget approval; the president, as Commander-in-Chief, commands the military but does not directly fund it.

Therefore, of the options given, the key important duty of the president is addressing Congress.