The Executive Branch Civics

Unit Essential Question How do the powers and actions of the President of the United States (POTUS) impact Americans and the world?

The President of the United States (POTUS) Barack Obama REQUIREMENTS Natural Born Citizen 35 years old Live in the United States for 14 years HOW ELECTED? By a majority vote of the electoral college (270 votes)

VOCABULARY: the President Electoral College: a group of people chosen to represent the states and formally cast votes for the President Electing the POTUS in Plain English

The President of the United States (POTUS) ELECTION DAY The first Tuesday after the first Monday of November, every four years TERM LENGTH 4 year terms, maximum of two terms or ten years

The President of the United States (POTUS) SALARY $400,000/year BENEFITS $50,000/year expenses Live in the White House Air Force One (plane) Marine One (“choppa”) Secret Service protection for (+10yrs after service)

The Vice President of the United States (VP) REQUIREMENTS Same as the President HOW ELECTED? Chosen by the President, elected together as a “ticket” – will win or lose as a “team” Joseph Biden

VOCABULARY: the Vice President Ticket: a set of candidates put forward by a political party, most commonly, the President & Vice-President

The Vice President of the United States (VP) DUTIES President of the Senate – casts tie breaking vote Succeeds the President if needed, also can act as President Gets other duties from the President Joseph Biden

The Vice President of the United States (VP) SALARY $230,700/year BENEFITS Secret service protection Lives in the Vice- President’s House NOTES Cannot be fired by the President 25th Amendment Joseph Biden

HOMEWORK HELP WANTED: PRESIDENT Please tweet to me, a help wanted ad for President, you must include: Requirements Salary Some benefits It may only be 140 characters and needs to start like this: @mrtalynch #hwpotus If you do not have a twitter account, please write out your tweet, it may not be more than 140 characters spaces count Be creative. You may abbreviate. Due Wednesday (5 points)

ROLES OF THE PRESIDENT CHIEF DIPLOMAT: An official representing another country EXAMPLES: Making treaties Meeting with foreign leaders Appointing ambassadors

ROLES OF THE PRESIDENT CHIEF LEGISLATOR The President has some law making powers EXAMPLES Sign, veto, pocket veto bills Propose legislation Call special sessions of Congress State of the Union Address

ROLES OF THE PRESIDENT CHIEF JURIST The President has some court-related powers EXAMPLES: Can pardon federal crimes Can reduce federal sentences Appoint federal judges

ROLES OF THE PRESIDENT CHIEF EXECUTIVE The President is in charge of the Executive branch EXAMPLES Hires/fires employees Enforces laws Holds cabinet meetings Gives duties to Vice President

ROLES OF THE PRESIDENT COMMANDER-IN- CHIEF The President is the leader of the armed forces EXAMPLES: The President makes military strategy The President may send troops on a mission

ROLES OF THE PRESIDENT CHIEF OF STATE The President represents our country; he is the top citizen EXAMPLES: Takes part in ceremonies Awards medals Presents a wreath at a memorial service

ROLES OF THE PRESIDENT CHIEF OF PARTY The President is the leader of his/her political party EXAMPLES: Support other party candidates Helps fundraise