The Presidency

Duties of the President Commander-in-Chief Appoint heads of departments (with consent of Senate) and ambassadors Negotiates treaties with other countries (with “advice and consent” of Senate) Represents the United States Serves as Head of State

May pardon or reduce sentences of people convicted of federal crimes. Serve as head of the bureaucracy Make speeches to Congress Propose policy changes Duties of the President

Faithfully execute the laws of the United States. Duties of the President

Constitutional Qualifications Article II, Section 1 of Constitution: Born in the U.S. At least 35 years old Resident of U.S. for at least 14 years before taking office.

Other Qualifications Usually need government experience. Usually have a political career. Must have access to large amounts of money. Usually are moderates.

Personal Characteristics Usually male and white (northern European) (only exception: Obama) Usually affluent and middle class Usually protestant in religion (only exception: John F. Kennedy) Usually successful financially (exceptions: Abraham Lincoln & Harry Truman)

Usually married (exception: Grover Cleveland) (he was 48, she was the 21 year-old daughter of his dead law partner) Usually likeable personality (exception: Nixon) Personal Characteristics

In modern times, must be TV-friendly Personal Characteristics

President’s Term Constitution sets term at 4 years 22 nd Amendment (1951) limits President to only two terms.

Salary and Benefits Current: $400,000 per year $100,000 per year in travel expenses $50,000 per year for expenses

Planes, helicopters and limousines Free medical, dental, and other health care Live in White House (pool, tennis, etc.) Servants (cooks, maintenance, maids, etc.) Guards/Security Salary and Benefits

Retirement Benefits Pension – currently $151,800 per year Free office space Free mailing service $150,000 per year for office staff When President dies, spouse gets $20,000 per year pension

But Remember: Nobody runs for the Presidency for the salary and benefits. And a few want to help the world.

Vice-President All the same qualifications apply to the V.P. Role is flexible. Serve as President of Senate More recent V.P.’s have been important advisors to the Presidents.

Vice-President Salary and Benefits Salary $208,100 per year $10,000 per year in expenses Benefits Mansion Servants Travel Medical, dental and other health care Pension Actually better than White House

What happens if the President dies? The Constitution gives us the answer.

Presidential Succession Vice President Speaker of the House President Pro-Tempore of the Senate

Then cabinet officers in order in which their office was created: –Secretary of State –Secretary of the Treasury –Secretary of Defense Presidential Succession

Since your book was published, one additional department has been added to the Cabinet: Secretary of Homeland Security Presidential Succession

But what happens if the President is disabled but does not die?

Presidential Disability James Garfield Shot but survived for 80 days

Woodrow Wilson Stroke Paralyzed and partially blind for 1½ years Presidential Disability

Dwight D. Eisenhower Heart Attack Incapacitated for about one month Presidential Disability

Abraham Lincoln Extreme Depression Didn’t get out of bed for days. Presidential Disability

If the President becomes disabled? If the President cannot fulfill his/her duties? Presidential Disability

What if an enemy attacks while President is disabled? What if some other crisis occurs while President is unable to take “forceful” control? Presidential Disability

If President informs Congress of disability If President is unable (or unwilling) to inform Congress of disability, then V.P. and Cabinet could inform Congress V.P. becomes “acting” President. Presidential Disability

V.P. remains Acting President until The President recovers and Congress restores power to the “real” President. The next election. Presidential Disability