Basics of the U.S. President GOVT Notes 4-1

President: Head of the Executive Branch Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Head of State – symbolizes what the nation stands for

Presidential Term Term = 4 years (Art. II) 22nd Amendment – 2 term maximum

3 Qualifications for President (Art II, Sec. 1) Natural born Citizen of U.S. (born on U.S. soil) EX: John McCain, Barack Obama, Ted Cruz Be at least 35 years old Resident of U.S. for at least 14 years No education requirement for president, though most were politicians, lawyers

Qualities helpful to becoming President Government experience Name Recognition Political Alliances Time and money to build a campaign

Qualities helpful to becoming President 2) Moderate Political Beliefs - Exceptions: Ronald Reagan (1980-1988) Barry Goldwater (1964) – too conservative George McGovern (1972) – too liberal Donald Trump (2016) – too crazy

Qualities helpful to becoming President 3) Personal Characteristics 1. Male 2. White 3. Rich 4. Protestant (religion) - Exceptions: JFK was Catholic and Obama is black

Additional Info 25th Amendment – Order of Pres. Succession President Vice President (VP) Speaker of the House of Reps President Pro-Tempore of Senate Members of Presidential Cabinet

Presidential Succession 4 Presidents have been Assassinated Who can name one? Abraham Lincoln John F. Kennedy James Garfield William McKinley

Presidential Succession 4 Presidents have died in office Who can name one? Franklin D. Roosevelt Zachary Taylor William H. Harrison Warren G. Harding