The President’s Job Description Chapter 13: Section 1 The President’s Job Description

Who heads the Executive Branch? A = President B = Vice President C = Speaker of the House

2. The President must wear many hats, can you name all of the duties the President must fulfill?

Presidents Role President has several roles: 1. Chief of State 2. Chief Executive 3. Chief Administrator 4. Chief Diplomat 5. Commander in Chief 6. Chief Legislator 7. Chief of Party 8. Chief Citizen

Why do you think the president has so many roles?

Chief of State Symbol of all the people Ceremonial head of the United States Must take part in public ceremonies opening of new sessions of Parliament in holding honour investitures receiving the Credentials of Ambassadors High Commissioners welcoming visiting Heads of State hosting participating in other civil ceremonies

Why do we as the United States need a Chief of State?

Chief Executive Has limited power to use Controlled by checks and balances Examples: Appointing someone to serve as head of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Holding a Cabinet meeting to discuss government business Reading reports about problems of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

Chief Administrative and Chief Diplomat The director of the huge executive branch of the Federal Government. President directs an administration of more than 2.7 million civilians and spends more than $3 trillion a year. Chief Diplomat The main architect of American foreign policy and the nation’s chief spokesman to the rest of the world.

Commander in Chief and Chief Legislator Has direct and immediate control over the military. Congress has some significant powers in foreign affairs and over the military, but the President has long since become dominant in both fields. Chief Legislator Principle author of public policies. Sets the shape of the Congressional agenda. Initiating, suggesting, requesting, insisting, and demanding that Congress enact most of the major pieces of legislation.

Why is it important to have a Commander in Chief?

Chief of Party and Chief Citizen Acknowledged leader of the political party that controls the Executive Branch. Much of the real power and influence of the President depends on his or her ability to play this critical role. Chief Citizen The President is expected to be “ the representative of all the people.”

Should the President have these many jobs while in office? A = Yes B = No

Why should he/ should he not have as many jobs?

Formal Qualifications Must be “natural born Citizen . . . of the United States.” “Have attained . . . the Age of 35 years.” “Have . . . Been fourteen years a Resident within the United States.”

Presidential Term The Framers at first considered having a single six or seven year term for the Presidency. Until 1951 there was no limit on how many terms a President could have in office. It was an unwritten rule that a President would serve only two terms. The 22nd Amendment was put in place to prevent the President from taking more than two terms, after Franklin D. Roosevelt with four terms.

Pay and Benefits The Presidents pay was first set at $25,000 per year, now it is $400,000 per year for the President. Congress also provides the President with a $50,000-a-year expense allowance. President is provided with great extras while in office: The White House, a magnificent 132-room mansion set on an 18.3 acre estate in the heart of the nation’s capital, a sizeable suite of offices and a large staff to assist him; a fleet of automobiles; the lavishly fitted Air Force One and several other planes and helicopters Camp David, the resort hideaway in the Catoctin Mountains in Maryland The finest medical, dental and other healthcare available Generous travel and entertainment funds And many other fringe benefits

Identify one duty the President must fulfill and explain.