What does it actually do? The Executive Branch What does it actually do?

Checks on Other branches and Powers Executive Order – directive, rule, or regulation that has the effect of law. Power to issue orders comes from “ordinance power,” which comes from Constitution and Congress. Amnesty – A blanket pardon offered to a group of law violators. Legislative Branch Can propose laws Can veto laws Can call special sessions of Congress Negotiates foreign treaties Judicial Branch Appoints federal judges Can grant pardons to federal offenders.

The President’s titles/roles Chief of state – ceremonial head of the government of the U.S. Chief executive – Pres. is given the executive power of the U.S. Often described as the most powerful office in the world. Commander in chief – Commander of all nation’s armed forces. Chief diplomat – main architect of American foreign policy; spokesperson to the rest of the world. Chief citizen – “representative of all the people.”

Qualifications for Pres. and Terms “Natural born citizen” Is it possible to be born abroad as a U.S. citizen? How? At least 35-years-old Pres. John F. Kennedy was the youngest president at 43. Serves 2, 4-year terms (22nd amendment).

Pay and Benefits Salary set by Congress Since 2001, it’s been $400,000/year Receives $50,000/year expense allowance Money is spent how Pres. chooses. Lives in the White House Fleet of cars Air Force One, among other planes and helicopters Amazing health care benefits

Presidential Succession Presidential Succession Act of 1947 – Current order of succession for Presidency.

Vice Presidency (Importance) Assigned 2 duties by Constitution: Preside over the Senate Help decide the question of Presidential disability Cannot, under any circumstance, be fired by President. Why is this important? “Literally only a heartbeat away from Presidency.” VP can be acting President Replace President in case of death or impeachment Vice Presidency (Importance)

Quotes from Former Vice Presidents John Adams: “[The vice presidency is] the most insignificant office that ever the invention of man contrived or his imagination conceived.” Thomas Jefferson: said the vice presidency was “honorable and easy” and “tranquil and unoffending.” John Nance Garner (VP to FDR): “The vice presidency isn’t worth a warm pitcher of spit.” Teddy Roosevelt: “Take it to the office of the Vice President. He doesn’t have anything to do. It will keep him awake.”

Current Vice President Mike Pence

A complicated-as-*BEEP* process… Nomination Process A complicated-as-*BEEP* process…

Step 1: Send Delegates to National Conventions THIS IS A STATE LEVEL PROCESS Presidential Primaries – election in which voters (1) choose State party organization’s delegates to their party’s national convention and/or (2) express a preference for their party’s presidential nomination. Caucuses can be held in place of primaries, depending on the state and/or party.

Step 2: hold a national Convention National Convention – has 3 main purposes: (1) name party’s presidential and vice-presidential candidates. (2) bring people together for one common purpose. (3) adopting the party’s platform. Platform – statement for basic principles, stance on major policy matters, and sets objectives for campaign. Each party holds a national convention.

National Convention Continued… FIRST TWO DAYS LAST TWO DAYS Give keynote address Usually glorifies party, condemns opposition, and predicts political victory. Establish platform Nomination of Presidential candidate. Presidential candidate gives speech.

The Presidential Election And Electoral College “You have arrived at one of the least understood parts of the American political process.” - American Government, p. 377

Election Process (In election year) January—June: States hold primaries and caucuses. July—August: National conventions are held. Tuesday after first Monday in Nov: Election day Voters cast ballot for electors going to electoral college. Monday after second Wednesday in Dec: Electoral College Vote January 6 (following year): Electoral votes are counted before Congress. January 20: Inauguration of new President.

The Electoral College Constitution sets out election of President by the electoral college. Electoral College – A group of electors chosen from each state to select President and Vice President. The votes we cast are to elect Presidential Electors and who electoral votes will go to from State. Presidential elector – A person elected by voters to represent them in choosing Pres. and VP. Winner-take-all – All electoral votes go to presidential candidate if they win popular vote in state. Example: All of Utah’s 6 electoral votes went to Trump because he won popular vote.

Flaws in Electoral College Winner of the popular vote is not guaranteed presidency. In 2016 election, Hillary won popular vote, but Trump got electoral college votes. Electors are NOT required to vote with popular vote. Any election might have to be decided in House of Representatives.

Proposed Reforms District Plan – electors chosen in each state similar to electing members of Congress. Proportional Plan – candidates would receive same share of electoral votes proportional to popular votes. Ex. If someone won 40% of popular vote and the State has 20 electoral votes, candidate would get 8 electoral votes. Direct Popular Election – Get rid of electoral college and make election based on popular votes. What do YOU think would be better?