The Presidency Chapter 13 Notes

Chief of everything… Chief of ___________- ceremonial head of the U.S. Chief ____________- holder of executive power Chief ___________- leader of federal Gov. & executive power Chief ____________- handles foreign policy & spokesperson for U.S. ____________ & Chief- charge of armed forces Chief ___________- author of public policy Chief of___________ leader of pol. Party Chief __________- representative of all the people

What are the qualifications to be President and where in the Constitution can you find them? By law if your were born abroad, but one parent is an American citizen, then the child is an American citizen. US military personal, ambassador or abroad for a job… but if parent is a citizen then you are. To date, there has not been a president who was born outside of the U.S., with parent as a citizen… if it does happen it may make it to supreme court to be challenged!!

What is the President paid & what benefits does he receive? $400,000/ year (since 2001) $50,000/ year expense account Is taxed on this amount too Other benefits: White House Oval Office & West Wing with staff “Air Force One Marine One Camp David, Thurmont, MD Healthcare, insurance, pension Not covered on video Congress determines the salary and it cannot be changed during a presidential term. At first it was 25,000 a year 1789. 50,000 expense can be used in any way the president likes.. White house 132 room mansion on 18 acres Camp David resort hideaway in MD

Perks-Air Force One & Live in White House, D.C.

What Amendments to the Constitution relate to the Executive Branch?

Constitutional Amendments 22nd- Term limits, & 12th-Pres. & V. P Constitutional Amendments 22nd- Term limits, & 12th-Pres. & V.P. on same ticket in electoral college. Two terms had been a “term tradition” (set by President Washington) but it was an unwritten rule. FDR breaks the rule and then the 22nd Amendment was passed. Limit of 10 years as president, The Twenty-second Amendment sets a term limit for election to the office. Congress passed the amendment on March 21, 1947.

25 Amendment 1967 VP to be “Acting President” Most not covered on video, except 25th Amendment Vice President – replaces the president in case of death, resignation, or impeachment 1st VP to do this – John Tyler, 1841 Richard Nixon resigned & Gerald Ford, 1974 JFK assassinated and LBJ takes office FDR dies in office- Harry Truman Presidential Succession Act of 1947 Worst case scenario After VP, Speaker of the House, Senate pro tempore, then Cabinet heads in order dept. was created VP to be “Acting President” In case of death, resignation, or impeachment of President

Who is next after the Vice President? What happens if V.P, dies? After VP, Speaker of the House, Senate pro tempore, then Cabinet heads in order dept. was created Most not covered on video, except 25th Amendment Vice President – replaces the president in case of death, resignation, or impeachment 1st VP to do this – John Tyler, 1841 Most recent – Gerald Ford, 1974 Presidential Succession Act of 1947 Worst case scenario After VP, Speaker of the House, Senate pro tempore, then Cabinet heads in order dept. was created

Role of Vice President changed over time… Officially – preside over Senate and wait… For much of history, VP was ignored Considered “political suicide” to accept spot Can help “balance the ticket” Handpicked by Presidential nominee Can strengthen ticket, balance geography Today’s VPs are much more active & involved Biden, Cheney, Gore VP vacancies – nominated by Pres.  confirmed by both House & Senate – majority vote VPs cannot be fired, but may also be impeached

How do we elect our Executive Branch?

Election Cycle for President & V.P. Primary & Caucus - A primary election is an election that narrows the field of candidates. Winners of the primaries for each party are announced at the National Conventions. Then the General Elections occurs between the Republican and Democratic candidates. The Electoral College is used to determine the winner! Repeat from Chapter 7, Election process – will now focus on General Election

Popular Vote in each state determines the number of “Electoral” votes. On Discovery video mentioned… Founding Fathers didn’t really trust that American’s with popular vote…. Originally each state determined how to select a group of presidential electors = to # of Senators & Reps Often Americans then voted for “local electors These state electors would then met & voted for Pres. & VP Candidate with most votes = Pres 2nd most votes = VP Over time grew into Electoral College..

Electoral College The District of Columbia and 48 States have a winner take all system. Only two states- Nebraska & Maine can split the electoral votes, based on popular vote. In each state, the popular vote is counted. The Winner of the Popular vote, takes ALL OF THE ELECTORAL VOTES FOR THAT STATE!

2008 ELECTION- OHIO VOTE BARACK OBAMA WON JUST 51 PERCENT OF THE POPULAR VOTE IN OHIO AND WON ALL OF THE STATES 20 ELECTORAL VOTES DESPITE THE FACT THAT SOME 2.5 MILLION VOTED FOR HIS REPUBLICAN OPPONENT, John McCain!

2012 Electoral Vote

2012 Obama also won popular Vote!!! Not always!

Bush won the “electoral college”, but not the popular vote?

2000 Election, Pres. Bush won electoral…

2000 Election, Gore won Popular vote, lost election!