THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH Chapter 7 (part 1)

The President Requirements for President: years of age 2. Native-Born Citizen (why?) 3. Resident of US for at least 14 years General Characteristics: White Male College Educated Previously Elected Protestant Christians EXCEPTIONS: JFK – First Catholic, Geraldine Ferraro – 1 st Female VP Candidate, Joseph Lieberman – 1 st Jewish VP Candidate, Barack Obama – 1 st Black President, Mitt Romney – Mormon Candidate for President

The Electoral College Elections take place every 4 years No Popular election of President, instead an indirect method of election known as the Electoral College Each state appoints “electors” who then vote for the candidate for president for the state. Electors vote with the will of the state, though are not bound to. 538 Total Electoral Votes (Must get 270 to win) 100 – Senators 435 – House of Reps 3 – Washington D.C. If neither candidate receives 270, the House of Representatives votes (each state delegation getting 1 vote – happened twice: 1800 & 1824)

Being President Presidents can serve two-four year terms. Washington set this precedent by stepping down after 8 years (why?) Only Franklin D. Roosevelt has served more than two terms – He began a fourth term in nd Amendment – ratified in 1951, it officially limits the President to two terms or 10 years maximum (how can 10 years be reached? The President makes: $400,000/yr plus money for expenses and travel Lives in the White House 80+ person staff Travel – Air Force One – President’s jet, Marine One – President’s helicopter The Vice-President – Qualifications are same as President – little duties, mostly head of Senate, next in line for Presidency

Presidential Succession 1841 – William Henry Harrison became first president to die while in office (story) Raised questions as to what to do – Constitution vague besides “Vice President shall assume the duties of the President” Presidential Succession Act – 1947 Congress passed to establish the order of succession. 25th Amendment – States that if President dies, Vice President takes over and appoints a new Vice President. VP is also responsible for determining if a president is disabled or unable to perform the duties of their job.

Line of Succession 1. Vice President 2. Speaker of the House 3. President pro tempore 4. Secretary of State 5. Secretary of the Treasury 6. Secretary of Defense 7. Attorney General 8. Secretary of the Interior 9. Secretary of Agriculture 10. Secretary of Commerce 11. Secretary of Labor 12. Secretary of Health and Human Services 13. Secretary of HUD 14. Secretary of Transportation 15. Secretary of Energy 16. Secretary of Education 17. Secretary of Veterans Affairs 18. Secretary of Homeland Security

Constitutional Powers “You know, the President of the United States is not a magician who can wave a wand or sign a paper that will instantly end a war, cure a recession, or make bureaucracy disappear.” Duties of the President: 1. Execute and carry out laws passed by Congress 2. Veto/Reject bills passed by Congress 3. Serve as Commander and Chief of the Armed Forces 4. Receive leaders/officials from foreign countries 5. Make treaties with other countries (with Senate approval) 6. Appoint heads of agencies, judges, ambassadors 7. Pardon/reduce penalties of those convicted of federal crimes. 8. Give Congress information about the State of the Union – yearly address

President Roles: Chief Executive Most important role of President is to carry out the nation’s laws. Leads 15 Cabinet Departments and approx. 3 million workers. President appoints the heads of the Cabinet Departments (must be approved by the Senate) Executive Powers: Executive Order – rule/command that carries the force of law Example: Harry Truman made executive order to integrate the armed forces Power of Appointment – Appoints judges of the Supreme Court and Federal Court (with Congressional Approval) Supreme Court has final say on whether a law is constitutional Pardon – declaration of forgiveness and freedom from punishment Reprieve – Delay punishment until higher court can hear the case Amnesty – pardon towards entire group

Presidential Roles: Commander in Chief Makes President the leader of the armed forces, allowing him to back up foreign policy decisions with force. In charge of Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard Declaring War: Shared with Congress Congress declares war, President orders troops into battle Five Declared Wars: War of 1812, Mexican War, Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II. Presidents have sent troops into battle: Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq War Powers Resolution – President must notify Congress within 48 hours of sending troops into battle, troops must be brought home within 60 days unless Congress gives permission to remain longer/declares war.

Presidential Roles: Chief Diplomat and Head of State Chief Diplomat – President directs the strategy of foreign policy for the United States Foreign Policy – How the United States acts toward other countries in the world. Head of State – Living symbol of the Nation Carries out ceremonial functions of the nation (lighting national Christmas Tree, Giving out Medals)

Presidential Roles: Legislative Leader, Economic Leader, Party Leader Legislative Leader – Power of Influence President can’t propose bills, but would like for Congressmen to propose bills he/she would like to see President has a legislative program – laws they would like to see passed Economic Leader – Deals with issues like unemployment, rising prices, high taxes Plans the Federal Budget Party Leader – Leader of the party they represent Helps get other party members elected through appearances/speeches Gains support in Congress from members of their party