Chapter 8 The Presidency

Roots of the Presidency No chief executive under Articles of Confederation. Qualifications: 1. Natural-born citizen 2. 35 years old 3. 14 year US resident Two four-year terms, per Twenty-Second Amendment (1951)- following FDR. Longest someone could serve would be 10 years- explain? Little attention to vice president. Can be impeached by Congress. Order of succession in Twenty-Fifth Amendment.

Table 8.2- Presidential Succession  Back

Constitutional Powers More limited than Article I powers of Congress. 1. Appointments to executive, Cabinet, and judiciary. 2. Convene Congress, issue State of the Union Address 3. Make treaties or executive agreements. 4. Veto legislation; no line-item veto. 5. Act as commander in chief of armed forces. 6. Pardon individuals accused of crimes.

Table 8.4- Treaties  Back

Roles of the President- (President “wears many hats”) Chief law enforcer. Leader of the party. Commander in chief. Shaper of domestic policy. Player in legislative process. Chief of state.

Establishing Presidential Power George Washington sets precedent. Claimed inherent powers for national government. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson follow lead. Andrew Jackson asserts power through veto. Abraham Lincoln uses Civil War to expand office. Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal ushers in new era. Nixon casts doubt on Executive Power. Times of war and/or crisis allows for greater expansion

Table 8.5- Presidential Vetoes Back

The Presidential Establishment (Team) Growing power of the vice president-discuss Selection of VP- could be combination of reasons Geographical balance- JFK/LBJ Political balance- Reagan/Bush Social/cultural- McCain/Palin Cabinet advisors to deal with a variety of issues. First ladies act as informal advisors (Active or Passive) Executive Office of the President -FDR creation, inner circle of advisors White House staff directly responsible to president-no confirmation process (400-500)

Table 8.7- U.S. Cabinet Back

Presidential Leadership Leadership ability and personality can be key. “Power to persuade.” Bully pulpit and going public. Approval ratings can help or hinder presidential success High ratings force Congress to follow Low ratings make President “toxic” “HONEYMOON”-period right after President gets elected-approval ratings are high, can get agenda passed. “100 days”

President as Policy Maker FDR is first president to send policy to Congress. Very difficult to get presidential policies passed. Ability to get desired budget passed helps. Office of Management and Budget plays key role. Use of executive order and signing statements to avoid Congress (department of Homeland Security)

Table 8.1- U.S. Presidents Back

Table 8.3- Women on Presidential Teams  Back

Table 8.6- Best and Worst Presidents  Back

Table 8.8- Presidential Personalities  Back