The Executive Branch The Roles and Power of the President

Qualifications – President and Vice President 1. Must be a native- born U.S. Citizen 2. Must be at least 35 years old 3. Must have been a resident of the United States for at least 14 years.

Who is Barack Obama? 44th President, sworn in on January 20, 2009 Democrat Married to First Lady Michelle Obama Daughters- Malia & Sasha Born August 4, 1961.

Presidential Term Limits The president is elected to a 4 year term. In 1951 the 22 nd amendment set a two-term limit or a total of 10 years after FDR died in office in his fourth term.

Benefits of the President President Salary of 400,000 50,000 nontaxable allowance for expenses Annual allowance for travel cost Sweet rides like a rocket proof limo and Air Force 1

Characteristics of Presidents Until 2008 all had been white men. Most have been Christian Most have attended college Many have been lawyers or held other state or national political offices before becoming President.

Chief Executive – Legislative Leader Suggest Laws –“State of the Union Address” Economic Suggestions Use Veto Power –Influence Legislation Carry out Laws –Cabinet Members

Commander in Chief Final say in Military –All officials answer to President –Impacts strategy Send troops into action –Even w/o approval –War Powers Act (1973)

War Powers Act (1973) Recall troops sent abroad within 60 days if there isn’t support from Congress. Can be made 90 to ensure safe trip home.

Chief Diplomat/Foreign Policy Diplomacy –Art of interacting w/ foreign countries –Treaties = agreements with other countries. Treaties must be approved by a 2/3 vote in the Senate. Appoints officials –Representatives in foreign countries Travels abroad –Meets w/ other Diplomats

Judicial Powers Appoint Judges –Approval of Senate Reprieves –Postpones sentencing Pardons –Frees convicted person of sentence Commutations –Creating less severe sentence

Other Roles Chief of State –Symbol of U.S. and it’s people Ceremonial Duties –Greets visitors –Awards medals –Throws 1st pitch Leads Political Party –Speaks for party members

Vice President - Roles He becomes president if the President dies, resigns, or is removed from office. Preside over the Senate. –Vote if there is a tie

Benefits of the Vice President Vice President Salary of 208,100 10,000 nontaxable allowance for expenses Annual allowance for travel cost

Order of Succession Presidential Succession - the order in which how the office of the president is filled 25th Amendment says that when a vice president takes the Oval office, he nominates a new vice president This practice began in 1967 The nominated person must be approved by a simple majority in both houses

Presidential Succession 1. President- dies or resigns 2. Vice President- becomes president and nominates a new vice president 3. Speaker of the House of Representatives 4. President (Pro Tempore) of the Senate 5. Members of the Presidents cabinet, in the order that their departments were created

Order of Succession Cont. 1 Vice President 2 Speaker of the House 3 President Pro Tempore 4 Secretary of State 5 Secretary of 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 Housing and Urban Development 14 Secretary of Transportation 15 Secretary of Energy 16 Secretary of Education 17 Secretary of Veterans Affairs 18 Secretary of Homeland Security