The President and the Vice President The Presidency is the most important office in the United States, possibly the world. Decisions that affect all Americans are made by one person with the advice of the cabinet.

The President Three qualifications listed in the Constitution: Must be a native born citizen Must be at least 35 years old Must have lived in the US for 14 years

Salary and Benefits Salary set by Congress and can’t be changed during a President’s term $400,000 salary per year $50,000 for expenses Up to $100,000 per year for travel Live for free in the White House Use of Camp David Finest medical care Security (Secret Service)

Election and Terms of Office Elections are held every 4 years Two term limit (22nd Amendment ratified in 1951) The president in elected indirectly through the Electoral College. Electoral College votes consists of the total # of Senators and House of Reps

The Vice President Only other member of the Executive Branch listed in the Constitution Qualifications are the same as the president Takes the place of the President if something happens to the President Serves as President of the Senate Usually take part in cabinet meetings Helps make important government decisions

Salary and Benefits $175,400 per year salary $10,000 per year for expenses Free residence (no vacation homes) Medical care Security (Secret Service)

Election and Terms of Office Changed since the Constitution was written (12th Amendment) No limit on the number of terms that can be served, however, no one has ever served more than 2 terms

Presidential Succession Presidential Succession Act passed in 1947 Vice President Speaker of the House President Pro Tempore Secretary of State

25th Amendment (1967) says that if the President dies or leaves office the Vice President would assume the position (succession) New President would appoint a Vice President (with Congress’s approval)