The Executive Branch

The President President is the head of the Executive Branch – Many call the President the most powerful person in the world ONLY 3 qualifications to be President – Must be 35 years old – Must be born in the United States – Must live in the country for 14 years With the exception of John F. Kennedy and Barack Obama, all presidents have been white and protestant

Presidential Election Held every 4 years Electoral College actually chooses the President – Must get 270 electoral votes to win – If no one gets majority, the House of Representatives decides (1800 & 1824) Limited to two (2) four year terms – 22 nd Amendment (1951)

Vice President Also chosen by electoral college Same rules apply to become VP as President Not much Constitutional Power – Leader of Senate (only votes to break ties) – 25 th Amendment – Succeeds president they die, are removed from office, falls ill, or resigns

Powers of the President Main job – Carry out laws passed by Congress Other Jobs – Make Treaties (must be ratified by Congress) – Receives foreign leaders (chief diplomat) – Commander in Chief of Armed Forces – Call special sessions of Congress – Veto bills passed by Congress

Checks and Balances President checked by Congress – Approve treaties – Approve Federal appointments Secretary of State Federal Court nominees Judicial Checks – Must obey same laws as every other American

The Presidents Roles Chief Executive – Carry out Nations laws, Grant pardons Chief Diplomat – Signs treaties, appoints ambassadors Head of State – Welcomes foreign leaders – Gives out medals Commander in Chief – Backs foreign policy with force (military force) – Sends the military into battle Economic Leader – Plans the federal budget – Works with Congress to decide how to spend money Legislative Leader – Proposes new laws – Helps persuade voters to support new laws Party leader – Supports candidates for office – Helps raise money