Chapter 6: The Presidency Section 1: The President (pgs.162-168)

Official Roles of the President The Constitution assigns the presidency these duties. 1) Chief executive- enforces the nation’s laws. 2) Commander in Chief- he is over all of the nation’s military 3) Foreign Policy Leader- he decides how to work with other world nations (this is called Diplomacy) 4) Chief Agenda Setter- he will outline things that will take place (this happens in the State of the Union Address)

Unofficial Roles of the President 1) Chief of State – or head of state, for example when the president goes to an event or host a formal dinner. 2) Party Leader – he shapes and promotes the party platform and raises money for the party 3) Chief Citizen – the primary representatives of the nation, they are held to a high standard of personal behavior.

Written Qualifications in the Constitution 1) Be at least 35 years old. 2) Have lived in the country for 14 years 3) Be a natural born U.S. citizen, this means you have to be born on U.S. soil or to U.S. citizens No naturalized citizen can be president The Framers didn’t want foreign duke or prince to gain power in the U.S.

Term of Office When the Framers wrote the Constitution some wanted one 6 year term and some wanted multiple terms, so they compromised with a 4 year term with the chance for re-election. Washington started the tradition of two terms in office. FDR broke the tradition b/c with WWII he said the nation needed experienced leadership. He was elected 4 times. After FDR died in office, the Congress and states passed the 22nd Amendment limiting the president to 2 terms or 10 years.

Election to Office Some of the Frames wanted direct popular election of the president but many believed the public would be able to make a wise choice. The Electoral College was their compromise. There are the same number of electors as representatives in Congress plus 3 for D.C. 435 + 100 + 3 = 528 t/f 270 wins the election.

The Electoral College Electors are nominated by state political parties the summer before the election. In November voters cast ballots for president and VP candidates, but they are really voting for electors. In 48 states it is a winner-take-all system. In Maine & Nebraska they pick their electors by congressional district which means these states could split their vote. In December, 41 days following the election, electors cast their votes for president and VP and 6 days later, the current VP count the votes during a joint session of Congress. The winner gets 270 or more electoral votes

Succession In 1841 when William Henry Harrison died in office, his VP took over as President but it was not until the 25th amendment was passed in 1967, did it become official that the VP becomes president if the president dies, resigns, or becomes disabled. In 1947, Congress passed the Presidential Succession Act. This act sets up the line of succession that after the VP, it would be the Speaker of the House, then the President Pro Tempore, then the members of the cabinet starting with the Sec. of State (see pg.166) Harrison John Tyler

Salary & Benefits President and VP can serve two 4 year terms. Their salary is $400,000, $208,100 respectively Travel allowances, including Air Force One and numerous cars Staff including Secret Service for protection, chefs, butlers, and doctors Tax deduction for two residencies, including the White House and Blair House Health and retirement benefits

Presidential Backgrounds Most presidents have been well-educated white men from middle- to upper-class families. All presidents to this point have been Christian with JFK being the only Catholic. 75% of presidents have some background in the military. In recent years, Americans have elected state governors. In 1984 the Democrats nominated the 1st woman for VP Geraldine Ferraro and in 2008 the Republicans nominated the 2nd woman for VP Sarah Palin. And in 2000 Joe Lieberman was the 1st Jewish candidate for VP.

Personal Qualities Presidents need to be likeable and have qualities of leadership. They must be able to communicate their idea effectively. With the TV and internet the president’s appearance is important. The president should appear dignified, confident, and have charisma, even in challenging situations. A president needs to work with friends and foes alike and be a good manager. The Great Communicator