(turn to page 153 in ‘The Summer of 1787’)

Words to Know Cabinet – Advisors chosen by the president to run various departments Coattail Effect – Using the popularity of a candidate to get yourself elected to office. Executive Order – A directive issued by the president that has the same power as law. Detente – The relaxation of strained relations between the US and the the Soviet Union Loose Construction – The belief that the federal government should use implied powers when interpreting the constitution Strict Construction – The government should not use implied powers

Pardon - To forgive someone of past crimes Patronage – Handing out jobs (contracts) to supporters Ambassador – A diplomatic agent of the highest rank Isolationism – A policy of staying out of other countries affairs Electoral College – A group of people chosen by each state to elect the president and the vice-president. Diplomacy – The process of carrying on beneficial relations with governments of foreign countries. General Election – an election in which voters cast ballots for candidates running for office.

1.The executive power is vested in the President 2.The Vice President is chosen as the person who will take the presidents place if he/she dies, resigns or is removed from office. 3. The term for the President and Vice-President is four years. It was originally as many term as you want to run for.

1.Must be a natural born citizen. (this is not defined in the constitution) 2.Minimum age of Fourteen year resident within the United States.

The Electoral College was created to determine who president will be after the General Election. The College has 538 votes representing the various states. (James Wilson’s original idea) The reason for the College was to have a buffer between the voters and their potential inability to choose a person that would defend the Constitution.

 The Electoral College is made up of 538 members which is equal to the amount of Senators and Representative there are plus 3 electors for Washington D.C.  To become president an individual must receive Clear Majority ( one over 50%) in the Electoral College which is equal to 270 electoral votes today.  By law Electors must vote the way the state votes. If an elector decides not to vote the way the state votes that individual vote still counts.  When the election is finished, the presidential candidate that wins a state will receive all the electoral votes that particular state has. States electoral votes

 If no candidate receives clear majority in the electoral college then the U.S. House of Representatives will decide who the president will be from the top three candidates 1.Election of 1800 – Jefferson and Burr tied 2.Election of 1824 – Jackson won electoral and popular vote but he did not get clear majority. 3.Election of 1876 – Sam Tilden was one electoral vote away with 20 electoral votes in dispute.

1.Vice President 2.Speaker of the House 3.President Pro-Temp of the Senate 4.Sec. of State

I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.

There are eight hats of the president. Even though some are not listed they are implied by the Constitution.

The constitution specifically wanted a civilian to be in charge of the military. No president can be active in the military.  As Commander and Chief the President’s jobs is to win the war. The president has the War Powers Act that allows the president put the military in a conflict for a period of 90 days before he/she gets Congressional approval.  He can hire and fire Generals

 In this position the president is the overall administrator of all government programs. Even though he/she delegates authority to certain agencies, the president is still held responsible.  The president can issue Executive Orders that have the rule of law  Thousands of Federal employees are under his control.

The president is the leader of his/her party. They can choose the party chairperson and they have influence over what is included or not included in the platform. A popular president can use his popularity to get like minded Candidates elected in what is called the “coattail effect”. Because of his/her position, the president can raise large amounts of money for the party.

The president chooses the Chairmen of the Federal Reserve System. It is the Chairmen’s job to set interest rates in an effort To maintains a steady economy. By setting a budget the president can help the economy grow Just using the “Bully Pulpit” the president can have an effect on the economy

 Performs ceremonial duties.  Stands as a symbol of the United States.

 Over sees relations with other countries (who are our friends).  Establishes foreign policy. (sending troops, giving aid)  Makes treaties with other countries (2/3 approval in Senate).  Grants recognition of new governments (East Timor).

1.Even though he/she cannot introduce legislation, the president can purpose legislation and have one of his supporters introduce it. 2.Because of the ability to use the Bully Pulpit, the president can urge Congress to pass certain bills. The president can can also hold back certain things for a particular state if said congressperson does not support the presidents bill. 3. The president can veto any legislation.

1.The president appoints all federal judges including members on the Supreme Court. (2/3 approval from the Senate) 2. The president can pardon anyone in a Federal jail. 3.The president must uphold court decisions even if he/she does not support the decision.