Article II of the U.S. Constitution The Executive Branch

What is the purpose of the Executive Branch? To enforce the laws that the Legislative Branch has created.

Who is in charge of the Executive Branch?

Who else makes up the Executive Branch Who else makes up the Executive Branch? (Keep in mind, this is only a small sample of how big this branch really is. The President is in charge of all of these different groups)

Who can become President? What you must be. The President must be a natural born citizen. Must have lived in the U.S. for 14 years (although they do not have to be consecutive). Must be at least 35 yrs. old. There are no limitations to a person based on … Race Gender Religion Experience

How long can a President serve in office? The President serves a four year term in office. Originally, the Constitution did not specify how many terms a President can serve. Traditionally, everyone followed Washington’s precedent of only serving two terms. FDR broke the tradition and ran for four terms. After FDR, the Congress passed the 22nd Amendment, stating that no President may serve more than two terms in office.

What is the compensation for a job well done? $400,000/ yr. salary, not including other expense accounts. Secured transportation including Air Force One, helicopters, limos, etc. Free medical and dental benefits. White House to live in. Lifetime pension of $148,400/ yr. + expenses.

What does the President do? The President is the Commander-In-Chief of the U.S. Military, even though he is a civilian. Even though the President makes most of the military decisions, Congress controls the military budget.

What else can he/she do besides blow things up? The President serves as a negotiator for the United States using his diplomatic powers. He/She can negotiate with foreign nations to create treaties, which are the same as a law. The Senate must approve all executive treaties.

Can the President do anything else besides blow things up or put things together? The President has Executive powers. These powers allow him to appoint cabinet secretaries, foreign ambassadors, and Supreme Court Justices. It also allows him/her to pardon criminals.

Is that all? The President has power over Congress as well. It is called the Legislative Powers. The President has the ability to call Congress into a special session. This is done every year at the State of the Union address. The President may also veto a bill from Congress if he/she does not agree with it. Veto

Odds and Ends – The Evolutionary Powers The President creates the “budget” and gives the U.S. a direction each year in the State of the Union address. The President claims “executive privilege” which means that he does not have to disclose his personal business to anyone. The President can persuade people at any time through the media.