During a lengthy speech at the University of Yangon in Burma, President Obama signaled the important traits of American democracy, particularly his limited powers as president.

“As President, I cannot just impose my will on Congress — the Congress of the United States — even though sometimes I wish I could,” he stated. “The legislative branch has its own powers and its own prerogatives, and so they check my power and balance my power.”

Obama also mentioned his responsibilities as Commander-In-Chief of the United States Military were limited by civilians.

“America may have the strongest military in the world, but it must submit to civilian control,” he said. “I, as the President of the United States, make determinations that the military then carries out, not the other way around. As President and Commander-In-Chief, I have that responsibility because I’m accountable to the people. ”

Obama also praised American rule of law, noting that while he could appoint judges, he was not allowed to tell them how to rule.

“You need to reach for a future where the law is stronger than any single leader, because it’s accountable to the people,” he added.