what does the phrase "the buck stops here" mean? American history help

"The buck stops here" is a phrase that became famous during the presidency of Harry S. Truman. It means that the person in charge takes responsibility for the decisions and actions of their administration. In the context of the presidency, it signifies that the President is ultimately responsible for the choices made and the consequences that follow.

President Truman had a sign with the phrase "The buck stops here" on his desk in the Oval Office as a constant reminder that he, as the President, accepted full responsibility for the decisions made by the executive branch of the government. This phrase reflects a commitment to leadership, accountability, and the understanding that those in authority must own up to the outcomes of their decisions.

Truman used this phrase to emphasize that, as the leader of the nation, he would not pass the responsibility for difficult decisions onto others but would take the responsibility upon himself. The phrase has since become a part of American political and cultural history, symbolizing a leader's willingness to be accountable and not deflect blame onto others.