TSW: Describe the structure, powers and authority of the executive branch in order to demonstrate an understanding of Article II of the United States Constitution. Warm Up  If you were to design a “Help Wanted” poster for the job of President of the United States, what would it say? What qualifications would you want the President to meet? What characteristics do you think a person should have to be President?

Executive Branch: Roles and Powers of the President L/S/N Government

The Executive Branch: Structure Review President & Vice President Main Function: Lead Executive Branch Regulatory Agencies Main Function: Enforce laws and regulations Cabinet Main Function: Advisors to the President

Demographic Characteristics of Presidents  Male—100%  Caucasian—100%  Protestant—97%  British ancestry—82%  College Education—77%  Politicians—69%  Lawyers—62%  Top 3% wealth/social class—At least 50%  Elected from large states—69%

Think About It…  Interpret each of the following quotes.  What message can be gleaned from each quote?  What seem to be the Presidents attitudes’ toward their jobs?

33rd President,

35 th President, National television address during the Cuban Missile Crisis, October 1962

36th President,

37 th President, In the aftermath of the Watergate scandal, President Nixon departs the White House after his resignation, August, 1974

The President: Qualifications and Term of Office  Article II of the Constitution: the president must be A natural born citizen of US At least 35 years old A resident of the US for 14 years before office  Informal Requirements: government experience, education, money, character  The 22 nd in 1951  set two four-year term limit on presidency

The President’s Powers and Tools of Influence  Article II  control of armed forces, approves legislation, appoints executive officials, and appoints judges  Executive Order  rules w/ force of law  Executive Agreement  pact btw. President and foreign head of state  Executive Privilege  refusal to provide info to Congress or a court  Reprieve  postponement of legal punishment  Pardon  release from legal punishment  Amnesty  group pardon to people for an offense against the government

Presidential Roles  Head of State—ceremonial duties  Chief Executive—heads federal offices and agencies that see Congress’ laws are carried out  Chief Legislator—propose legislation  Economic Planner—federal budget  Party Leader—patronage  Chief Diplomat—directs foreign policy  Commander in Chief—control of armed forces

Guided Practice/ Group Activity  Class will be divided into 6 groups— 2 groups—Executive Orders 2 groups—Executive Agreements 2 Groups—Executive Privilege  Follow instructions on handout  Use resources to complete your groups section (Teach the class)  In groups, respond to questions in Part II

Independent Activity/ Homework  Read each of the scenarios on the handout titled “Making Connections: Analyzing Presidential Decisions”  Complete the chart to apply your knowledge of the President’s formal and informal powers.

Activity: Roles of the President  Sift through class newspapers, magazines, and/or use class computers to locate images of Presidents (any president…past or present).  Create a collage to show the president fulfilling each of the roles we discussed in class.

Homework:  Complete Practice Activities Powers of the President Checks and Balances Closure/Learning Log:  Think back to what we learned about checks and balances…  How do the President’s powers/duties interact with the powers of the Legislative and Judicial branches?

A Few of the Greats

The Electoral College  # of Electors=# of states’ Representatives + Senators  Purpose—Founding fathers did not feel public knew enough about leaders/popular leaders not always best  Debated Issues Winner Take All, 3 rd Party Candidates, Election in House  Suggestions for reform Proportional representation, Direct Popular Election

BCR: Electoral College The elimination of the Electoral College is a proposal that has been made to expand democracy in the United States.  Do you agree or disagree with the proposal to eliminate the Electoral College?  Explain why you agree or disagree.  Include details and examples to support your answer.