The President’s Job Description Critical Thinking: Demonstrate understanding of President’s many roles Formal Qualifications: “natural born Citizen” of U.S. (jus sanguinis controversy) 35 years of age 14 years residency in U.S.

Question: Which Amendment limited President to two terms and why? 22nd Amendment (1951): “No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice….” Maximum of two full terms or 10 years Traditions as informal amendments to Constitution

Succession of Presidency and VP The “24” Quiz: What if…..? 1947 law – Speaker of House 25th Amendment (1967): New Prez nominates new VP, who is confirmed by majority of Congress If no new VP yet, 1947 law… Question: If VP and majority of Cabinet declare Prez “unable to discharge powers”, what happens if Prez disagrees? Congress decides: 2/3 both houses

The President’s Roles Six formal roles come directly from the Constitution Other roles have been assumed by Presidents throughout history

Chief of State Chief Executive Ceremonial head of government Symbol of the nation’s ideals, principles, traditions “protect and defend the Constitution” (Art. II, s.1) “take care that the laws be faithfully executed” (Art. II, sec. 3) Executive Orders Agency Regulations

Chief Administrator Appoints high public officers and federal judges Rule of Senatorial Courtesy – Senate will only approve appointees acceptable to Senator of Prez’s party from that state The Cabinet and the White House Staff Director of Executive Branch/federal bureaucracy Over 2.7 million civilians; more than $2 trillion/year Crisis Manager

Chief Legislator Main architect of public policies Often shapes the congressional agenda Initiates, suggest, or pressures Congress to enact much major legislation Veto and Pocket Veto Power Controversy over Signing Statements

Chief Diplomat Commander in Chief Chief architect of American foreign policy Appoints ambassadors Negotiates Treaties Nation’s spokesperson to the rest of the world Final responsibility and authority for Armed Forces Delegates authority to Sec. Defense and Joint Chiefs Over 1 million troops subject to the President’s direct control

Making Undeclared War QUESTION: Does the Constitution give the President the power to make war without a declaration of war by Congress? Congress has not declared war since WWII, despite numerous “wars”: Examples: N. Korea and Vietnam Recent examples: Afghanistan and Iraq Congress passed 8 joint resolutions since WWII to authorize President to use force

The War Powers Resolution (1973) A result of growing frustration over Vietnam Provisions: 1) Within 48 hours after sending American forces abroad, President must report to Congress with details 2) Combat commitment must end within 60 days, unless Congress agrees to a longer period 3) Congress may end combat by passing a resolution to that effect Not yet tested

Informal Roles Chief of party Leader of Political Party Parties not mentioned in Constitution, but play vital role in govt. Chief citizen Represent highest standards of citizenship Expected to work for and represent the public interest

Other Roles Economy Stewardship of economy International trade and planning Submits annual budget to Congress Economy seen as President’s job; President’s fault if poor

Pay and Benefits Congress determines salary It can not be changed during a term $400,000 per year set in 1999, became effective January 20, 2001. Also provided with a $50,000-a-year expense allowance Plus fringe benefits

Critical Thinking Questions List five informal qualifications you think one should have in order to be seriously considered for the presidency. Explain your choices At $400,000 a year, the President’s salary is far more than that of many wealthy Americans, yet less than the yearly income of the wealthiest Americans. Do you think the President is fairly compensated? Why or why not?