The Roles of the President

President’s Many Roles For each section in the octagon, indicate a role of the president and a short description of that role.

Formal Qualifications for the Presidency nMnMnMnMust be at least 35 years of age nMnMnMnMust have lived in the US for 14 years nMnMnMnMust be a “natural born” citizen –“–“–“–“Birther Issue”

Presidential Term n Framers were undecided – a single 7 year term v. a four year term with reelection n 4 years = 1 term in office n 2 terms or 10 years

The Two Term Precedent n FDR was the only president to win more than two terms. n He led the US through the Depression and WW II. n George Washington set the precedent for the limit of two terms until the 22nd Amendment made law in 1951 Franklin D. Roosevelt ( )

Role: Chief of State n Acts as example for and symbol of the United States n Represents America at special occasions and ceremonies. n Kings and Queens are heads of state. n Awarding medals and speechmaking are examples of this role. n “reigns but does not rule”

n Carries out the “executive powers” vested in him by the Constitution…duh n Enforces and administers the provisions of federal law n Grants Pardons/Amnesty n Page Role: Chief Executive

Role: Chief Administrator n Acts as boss of federal government workers in 15 executive departments. n These departments help the President carry out, enforce, or execute the law. n The president chooses cabinet members to advise and assist him. n Example: Holding cabinet meetings and appointing federal officials. n Appointment Powers – Cabinet, Federal Judges, US Supreme Court

The President’s Cabinet

The Chief Administrator n The Offices of the Executive Branch are found in the White House and other federal buildings in Washington D.C. Executive DepartmentsDepartment of Agriculture USDA) Department of Commerce (DOC)Department of Defense (DOD)Department of Education (ED)Department of EnergyDOE)Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)Department of Homeland Security (DHS)Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)Department of Justice (DOJ)Department of Labor (DOL)Department of State (DOS)Department of the Interior (DOI)Department of the TreasuryDepartment of Transportation (DOT)Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

Role: Chief Diplomat n Conducts foreign policy by directing the actions of American ambassadors. n Signs treaties and trade agreements with leaders of other nations.

n Main Architect of American Foreign Policy n Nation’s Chief spokesman to the rest of the world n Power to Make Treaties or Executive Agreements n Power to recognize other Nations n Page Role: Chief Diplomat

n Of the Nations Armed Forces n Head of the Military, Dispatches troops –Korean War –Vietnam War n War Powers Act of 1973 –Congressional Resolutions Page Role: Commander-In-Chief

n In charge of US Armed Forces. n President decides where armed forces are to be stationed, weapons to be used. n Secretary of Defense under President. n Chairman of the Joint Chiefs is the top military commander under President. Role: Commander-In-Chief

Role: Chief Legislator n President Reagan before a joint-session of Congress.

Role: Chief Legislator n Congress has the power to make laws. n President can propose bills and must sign bills into law. n He often calls members of Congress to lobby for his agenda. n Presents his agenda to Congress in the annual State of the Union address.

Role: Chief Legislator n Main Architect of Public Policy n Helps to set the Congressional Agenda n Encourages Congress to enact legislation n Organizes and Presents his budget to Congress n Signs Legislation into law n Vetoes Legislation –Can be overturned by Congress with 2/3 vote in each Chamber Page 405-top of 407

Role: Chief of the Party n Presidents help members of their party get elected or appointed to office. n They make campaign speeches needed for re-election. n Head of fund-raising for the party.

Chief Citizen n The representative of the people

n Monitors –unemployment, –Inflation, taxation, business, –and general welfare of the nation. –He does not control the economy, but he gets credit if it goes well. Chief Guardian of the Economy

The Presidency n Why do you think it is the most visible part of the American political system? n Does the President really serve the needs of the American people? n How does the office of the Presidency actually help the American people? n How can one man fulfill all these duties

Running the Government: Chief Executive  Vice President  Cabinet  Executive Office  White House Staff  First Lady 12.3

Vice President  Mainly ceremonial in previous years  Increasing role in modern presidency Cheney Cheney Biden Biden 12.3

Cabinet  Traditional, not mandated  Heads of federal agencies and executive departments 12.3

TABLE 12.4: Cabinet Departments 12.3

Executive Office  National Security Council (NSC)  Council of Economic Advisers (CEA)  Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 12.3

FIGURE 12.1: Executive Office of the President 12.3

White House Staff  President’s personal support team Chief of staff Chief of staff Press secretary Press secretary Anonymous and loyal Anonymous and loyal  President sets style and tone 12.3

Principal Offices in the White House 12.3

Explore the Simulation: You Are a First-Term President _1/2013_mpsl_sim/simulation.html?simulaURL=8