The Executive Branch The Presidency

Objectives 1.Know the eligibility for office, length of term and the oath of office. 2.Know how presidents are elected. 3.Know the enumerated powers of the executive branch. 4.Know how they are removed from office.

Qualifications 35 Years of Age Natural Born Citizen U.S. Resident for at least 14 years. 4 Year Term Limited to 2 terms Honesty/Integrity Leadership Ability Understanding of foreign and domestic policy FormalInformal

The Vice-Presidency Qualifications: –Same as for the President Duties: –Assume the Presidency when needed –Ceremonial President of the Senate Can only cast a vote to break a tie

Oath of Office I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States. Article II, Section 1

Presidential Selection “The extent of the country makes it impossible that the people can have the requisite capacity to judge of the respective pretensions of the Candidates.” »George Mason, Representative of Virginia

Presidential Selection Electoral College –1 elector per representative per state –Method of appointment defined by state legislatures Originally chosen by state legislatures Now by popular vote Example: California Senators 2 House + 52 Total Reps 54 = 54 Electors

Presidential Roles Head of State –Appoint officials with consent of the senate –Represent the U.S. in all ceremonial functions –Grant pardons and reprieves Chief Executive –Ensure that laws are faithfully executed –Grant approval of laws Chief Administrator –Administer the government

Presidential Roles (continued) Chief Diplomat –Make treaties with consent of 2/3 of senate –Create and pursue foreign policy Chief Legislator –Make policy recommendations to Congress –Set legislative agendas –Convene both or either houses of Congress Commander in Chief –Commands Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard –Call forth and command the states’ militias in times of national crisis

Additional Roles Chief Citizen –Represent the public interest –Serve as a role model –Provide moral leadership using the “Bully Pulpit” Chief of Party –Build consensus within party –Set policy goals –Support party candidates seeking election

Pay and Benefits Compensation –$400,000 Salary –$50,000 Expense Allowance –Excellent Healthcare White House Air Force One Camp David

Removal from Office The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors. –Article II, Section 4 President Accused of Crime. Impeachment Trial in House of Representatives Trial in Senate Acquitted Removed from Office Sufficient Evidence for Trial? Yes No

Review What are the qualifications to be president? How are presidents elected? Name three powers granted to the President. For what reasons can the president be removed from office?