The Roles of the President Unit 5

Opener: 2/1/17 Answer the following questions about the map below. How many electoral votes did the state of California have? The state of Texas? Which candidate won the election? How many total electoral votes did they win?

Reading an Election Map 1. How many electoral votes did the state of California have? The state of Texas? -California had 55 electoral votes and Texas had 38 electoral votes. 2. Which candidate won the election? How many total electoral votes did he win? -Donald Trump won the election with 306 total electoral votes.

Constitutional Powers The president’s main job is to carry out the laws passed by Congress. The Constitution gives the president power to veto, call Congress into special session, serve as commander in chief, and receive foreign officials. The president can make treaties, appoint judges and top government officials, and pardon convicted criminals.

Constitutional Powers (cont.) In the State of the Union address each year, the president informs Congress of important issues facing the nation and proposes new legislative programs. http://www.whitehouse.gov/sotu

Roles of the President As chief executive, the president is in charge of 15 cabinet departments and more than 3 million government workers. The president appoints the heads of cabinet departments and large agencies, with Senate approval. The president may not make laws but can issue executive orders–rules or commands that have the force of law.

Executive Orders President Obama signs an Executive Order Focused on Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance Demonstrating a commitment to lead by example, President Obama signed an Executive Order today that sets sustainability goals for Federal agencies and focuses on making improvements in their environmental, energy and economic performance. The Executive Order requires Federal agencies to set a 2020 greenhouse gas emissions reduction target within 90 days; increase energy efficiency; reduce fleet petroleum consumption; conserve water; reduce waste; support sustainable communities; and leverage Federal purchasing power to promote environmentally-responsible products and technologies.

Roles of the President (cont.) The president can appoint federal judges, including Supreme Court justices. This power is important because the way the Supreme Court interprets laws greatly affects life in the United States. Most presidents appoint justices who share views similar to their own.

Roles of the President (cont.) The president may grant pardons, or declarations of forgiveness and freedom from punishment. The president may issue a reprieve, an order to delay a person’s punishment until a higher court can hear the case. The president may also grant amnesty, a pardon toward a group of people.

Roles of the President (cont.) The president directs foreign policy, deciding how the United States will act toward other countries. As commander in chief, the president is in charge of all branches of the armed forces. Congress and the president share the power to make war. Only Congress can declare war, but only the president can order soldiers into battle.

Roles of the President (cont.) Congress has declared war only five times, yet presidents have sent troops into action more than 150 times. This situation may threaten the system of checks and balances.

Roles of the President (cont.) After the undeclared Vietnam War, Congress passed the War Powers Act. This law requires the president to notify Congress immediately when troops are sent into battle. The troops must be brought home after 60 days unless Congress approves a longer stay or declares war.

Roles of the President (cont.) Only Congress may introduce bills, but the executive branch proposes most legislation. All presidents have a legislative program that they want Congress to pass. They make speeches and talk to key members of Congress to build support for their programs. The president’s staff works on the laws with members of Congress.

Roles of the President (cont.) The president and Congress often disagree. One reason is that the president represents the whole nation. Congress members represent only their state or district. Another reason is that the president can serve only two terms. Many Congress members win reelection many times and remain in office for decades.

Roles of the President (cont.) As a result, the president often wants to move faster on programs than members of Congress do.

Roles of the President (cont.) As head of state, the president hosts visiting foreign leaders and carries out ceremonial functions, such as giving medals to the country’s heroes. As the country’s economic leader, the president must plan the federal budget and try to deal with such problems as unemployment, rising prices, and high taxes.

Roles of the President (cont.) The president is the leader of his or her political party. The party helps the president get elected. In return, the president gives speeches to raise money and help fellow party members win office.

Create a help wanted poster for the President Using your notes and text to create the poster Your poster must include: The requirements for the job The job responsibilities The compensation package The qualities needed to be successful. (This is something you will have to come up with)  

Opener: 2/3/16 Pardons - declarations of forgiveness and freedom from punishment. Reprieve - an order to delay a person’s punishment until a higher court can hear the case. Amnesty - a pardon toward a group of people.

Create a help wanted poster for the President Using your notes and text to create the poster Your poster must include: The requirements for the job The job responsibilities The compensation package The qualities needed to be successful. (This is something you will have to come up with)