Unit 2: Branches of U.S. Government Lecture & Discussion 4: The Chief Executive

Do Now Watch the intro to the video “Article II of the U.S. Constitution” (0:00-5:27) and answer the prompts. https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ap-us-government-and-politics/interactions-among-branches-of-government/roles-and-powers-of-the-president/v/article-ii-of-the-constitution What is established in Article II? What options did the framers consider when they created the executive branch? What were their concerns about concentrating authority in one person? Why did they do so? Article II establishes the executive branch, including the office of the President, who is eligible for that role, how they get elected, and their powers. Before establishing a single executive, the framers considered an executive council and a President who answered to a separate council The framers were concerned about creating a monarchy. A plural executive failed under the Articles. A single President would be better for executing laws and assigning responsibilities.

Political Dictionary Record the following terms. Electoral College Amendments 22 & 25 Presidential Succession Act administration & federal bureaucracy White House staff (e.g. chief of staff) Executive Office of President (e.g. OMB, NSC) executive departments & cabinet (e.g. State, Defense, Education, Homeland Security) independent agencies (e.g. NASA, CIA, EPA)

Essential Question Consider the following focus question and write a response when the lesson is complete. How does the President both manage and receive assistance from the vast bureaucracy in the executive branch?

Introduction Before deciding on a “term of four years” for the President, the framers considered several options including a term of seven years and life. With this in mind, respond to the prompts. In your opinion, what is the appropriate term for POTUS? Explain. Do you believe in term limits for the President? Why or why not?

Reading Notes Read Chapter 13.2: Chief Executive Complete the table to identify the formal qualifications of the President. The Constitution requires the President to be… Qualification Description Age 35 years of age Citizenship natural born citizen Residency 14 years in United States

Reading Notes Read Chapter 13.2: Chief Executive What are the informal qualifications to be President? Americans tend to like presidents who are… white middle-aged wealthy, educated, Christian men

Reading Notes Read Chapter 13.2: Chief Executive What is the Electoral College? A body of electors from each state who cast votes to elect the president and vice president of the United States

Reading Notes Read Chapter 13.2: Chief Executive What is a president’s term in office?

Reading Notes Read Chapter 13.2: Chief Executive How is presidential succession determined? Section 1: In the event of death, resignation, or removal from office, the Vice President becomes President Section 2: In the event of a vacancy, the President chooses the Vice President

Reading Notes Read Chapter 13.2: Chief Executive How is presidential succession determined? Section 3: In the event the President notifies Congress in writing he can no longer perform the duties, the Vice President becomes President Section 4: In the event the VP and majority of cabinet notify Congress in writing the President can no longer perform the duties, the Vice President becomes President

Reading Notes Read Chapter 13.2: Chief Executive How is presidential succession determined?

Reading Notes Read Chapter 13.5: The Organization of the Executive Branch Complete the diagram to identify and explain the four main groups of the executive branch. Independent Agencies Executive Departments White House Staff Executive Office of President

Reading Notes Read Chapter 13.5: The Organization of the Executive Branch Complete the diagram to identify and explain the four main groups of the executive branch. White House Staff: President’s closes aides who are typically drawn from the campaign staff and longtime associates most powerful is chief of staff staff is NOT subject to Senate confirmation oversee the political and policy interests of the President from the West Wing of White House

Reading Notes Read Chapter 13.5: The Organization of the Executive Branch Complete the diagram to identify and explain the four main groups of the executive branch. Executive Office of the President (EOP): agencies that report directly to the President, but are not located in White House aim to carry out specific goals of administration positions are filled by presidential appointment subject to Senate confirmation key agencies include OMB, CEA and NSC

Reading Notes Read Chapter 13.5: The Organization of the Executive Branch Complete the diagram to identify and explain the four main groups of the executive branch. Executive Departments: departments that carry out the work of government in broad areas of public policy, such as defense heads of departments are filled by presidential appointment subject to Senate confirmation department secretaries form the presidential cabinet, whose influence has diminished over time

The Cabinet Departments

Reading Notes Read Chapter 13.5: The Organization of the Executive Branch Complete the diagram to identify and explain the four main groups of the executive branch. Independent Agencies: agencies that do not fall within executive departments, but answer directly to the President leadership positions are filled by presidential appointment subject to Senate confirmation agencies such as NASA, CIA and FDA help to implement federal policy

Processing Research the current president’s White House Staff. Who are his closes aides? Chief of Staff: Director of Communications: Press Secretary: White House Counsel: Staff Secretary: Special Assistants: