United States Government The Executive Branch United States Government

I. The Executive Branch Carries out the nation’s laws that Congress passes. Consist of the president, vice-president, and various executive offices, departments, and agencies.

C. Requirements to be President Natural born citizen 35 years old Resident of the United States for 14 years

D. Presidential Election Held every four years President elected indirectly through the Electoral College http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUS9mM8Xbbw

F. Electoral College At first, the winner became the president and runner-up became the vice-president. a. This was changed with the 12th Amendment in 1804.

2. Electors now cast separate ballots for the President and Vice-President 3. To be elected, candidate must receive majority of electoral votes. (270 today) 4. If no candidate receives majority, President and Vice-President is chosen by the House of Representatives.

5. Each state gets 1 elector per Senator and House representative 5. Each state gets 1 elector per Senator and House representative. (So each state has at least 3 electors, plus Washington D.C.) 6. Political parties select lists of electors 7. Americans actually choosing Electors from their state when they vote for president and vice-president. 8. Whichever party’s electors get the most votes wins

F. Presidential Campaign 1. Primary Elections

2. Presidential nominee selects running mate. 3 2. Presidential nominee selects running mate. 3. Nationally televised debates 4. Campaigning across the country, with frequent visits to swing states. 5. Election day is in November. (2012)

G. Term of Office President serves a term of 4 years. 22nd Amendment (1951) limits the president to two 4-year terms. Precedent set by George Washington Franklin Delano Roosevelt served 3 full terms and died in his fourth, having served 12 years.

H. Powers of the President Presides over the Executive Branch Commander and Chief of the nation’s military Make treaties with other nations 4. Appoints government officials, including Supreme Court justices. 5. Veto laws made by the U.S. Congress 6. Grant pardons to people convicted of federal laws.

I. The Cabinet Made up of the executive department heads (secretaries) of 15 governmental departments Serve as team of advisors to president on important issues.

a. Secretary of State – handles relations with foreign countries b. Secretary of Defense – provides for the nation’s defense. In charge of the military.

c. Secretary of the Treasury – deals with the countries financial matters d. Attorney General – handles the government’s legal affairs

J. Order of Presidential Succession Vice-President is first to succeed to presidency if the president dies in office Followed by: Speaker of the House President pro-tempore of the Senate. 3. Next, cabinet members are in the line of succession according to the date their offices were established.