Choosing the President

Qualifications for the Presidency The president must be a natural-born citizen, at least 35 years old, and a U.S. resident for at least 14 years before taking office. Informal requirements include experience in government and moderate political beliefs. Presidents have all been male and Christian, and most have been white, married, and financially successful. Modern presidential candidates must have strong financial support from large numbers of people

Leadership Skills Presidents are expected to exhibit strong leadership skills to solve the nation’s problems. Successful presidents have a genuine feel for the hopes, fears, and moods of the nation. Successful presidents communicate effectively and inspire the public. Success presidents are able to relate to the public. Landslide – a great majority of votes for one side Successful presidents have a keen sense of timing. Successful presidents are able to compromise.

Terms, Salary and Benefits The precedent of serving two four-year terms was set by George Washington, not the Constitution. The Twenty-second Amendment was passed in response to the four consecutive terms of Franklin Roosevelt. According to the Constitution, presidential compensation is determined by Congress. Compensation – something given or received as an equivalent for services A number of benefits are attached to the office of president. $400, 000 yearly salary, $100,00 travel allowance, $50,00 expense account, Air Force One, free medical, dental, and healthcare

The Vice President The first Constitutional duty of the vice president is to succeed the president if needed. The second Constitutional duty is presiding over the Senate and voting in the event of a tie. The vice president helps determine the capacity of the president to carry out presidential duties. Additional responsibilities of a modern vice president depend on the president.

Succession The Twenty-fifth Amendment clarified the succession to the presidency and the vice presidency. The Succession Act of 1947 established the presidential succession. The Twenty-fifth Amendment covers succession in the event of presidential disabilities as well as death.

Road to the White House The Framers devised the Electoral College because they did not trust average person’s judgment. Electoral College – Institution that is composed of a set of electors who are chosen to elect a president and vice president into office every four years. Winner take all system – the candidate who receives the most popular votes in a given state wins all the electoral votes for that state. Candidates often begin by forming a political action committee (PAC) for fundraising. – 1st

Road to the White House A candidacy is official when it is registered with the Federal Election Commission (FEC). – 2nd After the primaries (3rd), each party nominates its candidate at the party nominating convention. Primary – an event held before an election where members of the party go to the polls and vote on which candidate they want to see earn their party’s nomination Caucus – an event held before an election where members of a political party select delegates to send to the national party convention, where they will also vote to nominate a candidate (4th) The candidates engage in a flurry of expensive campaigning before the general election.

Electoral College Issues As a winner-take-all system, a candidate could lose the popular vote yet win the electoral vote. A strong third-party candidate could prevent anyone from receiving a majority of the votes. Third party candidate – someone who represents a political party that is neither a Democrat nor a Republican If the election falls to the House, there are more issues of concern. Several ideas have been suggested for reforming or eliminating the Electoral College system. Choosing electors from congressional districts, assigning electoral votes based on the winner of the nationwide popular vote, total elimination of the electoral college

The Inauguration The new president takes office at noon on January 20 in the year following the presidential election. The chief justice administers the oath of office. The new president gives an inaugural address.