Objective 6; Compare and contrast the various roles of the president, including Head of State, Commander-in-Chief, Chief Executive, Legislative Agenda Setter, Chief Diplomat, Party Leader, and Chief Economic Planner.

1. Head of State; President is the ceremonial head of the U.S. government and the symbol of the nation. 2. Commander-in-Chief; President is commander of all U.S. military forces. Constitution gives some power over foreign affairs and the military but the President dominates in these areas.

3. Legislative Agenda Setter; President is the architect of public policy. He sets the congressional agenda by initiating, suggesting, requesting, insisting, and demanding Congress enact certain legislation. 4. Chief Executive; President is head of ALL federal agencies that fall under the executive branch.

5. Chief Diplomat; President is the architect of American foreign policy and the chief spokesperson for the nation. What he does and says is followed all over the world. 6. Party Leader; He is the leader of his party. IF he is popular, Congressmen/women will follow his lead and support him. If not, they will try to separate themselves from him.

7. Chief Economic Planner; President makes a budget for the country and submits it to Congress. They often must come to compromises over it. President sets path for the economic direction of the country with tax cuts, tax increases, and incentives for industries, gov’t regulation, etc…. Economics is one of the major areas of division between Republicans and Democrats.

Objective 7; Describe how presidents have used their foreign policy powers, in terms of both diplomatic and military, to increase their power relative to Congress.

President sets the country’s foreign policy and is the Commander-in-Chief of the military. Military is often used to “back up” foreign policy. President can make treaties, with help of Sec. of State. Senate must give 2/3 rd ’s approval.

President can also make Executive Agreements. Executive Agreements are pacts between a President and the head of a foreign state. They do NOT require Senate approval but flow out of legislation already passed by Congress or out of existing treaties. Ex; Destroyers- Base Agreement 1940

The President can also use Recognition as a weapon in foreign relations. Often provides a country with protection, (Ex; Panama, 1903 Israel, 1948) And/or foreign aid from U.S. President can withdraw a diplomat if he becomes displeased with a nation’s conduct. Iran, 1979

President dominates military policy. President’s power as Commander- in-Chief is almost limitless. President has final authority and responsibility for all military matters. Have often used military power without a declaration of war.

War Powers Act of 1973 was an attempt by Congress to limit President’s military power. It was originally vetoed by Nixon but Congress overrode it. Constitutionality of it has been in dispute since it’s inception.

Objective 8; Explain the impeachment process for governmental officials, including the impeachment proceedings of Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton.

Constitution provides that the President, and all civil officers of the U.S. may, “be removed from Office on Impeachment for and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.” The House accuses and brings charges. The Senate has the power to try or judge in impeachment cases.

The Chief Justice presides over the Senate during the trial. Conviction requires a 2/3rds vote by the Senate. Penalty is removal from office and the Senate can prohibit the convicted person from holding federal office again. Person can also be tried in regular courts.

There have been 17 impeachments and 7 convictions, all federal judges Andrew Johnson was impeached but not convicted by 1 vote. (acquitted) He purposely violated the Tenure in Office Act, (which he vetoed but was overridden).

1998 – Bill Clinton impeached by the House. Charged with Perjury and Obstruction of Justice for withholding information. He was acquitted on both charges. Perjury vote was Obstruction vote was Public opinion was against convicting him.

Objective 9; Analyze the role and importance of the cabinet, including the customary qualifications for nomination. Cabinet is an informal advisory body brought together by the President to serve his needs. Not mentioned by the Constitution first Cabinet. Consisted of Sec. of State, Sec. of War, and Attorney General.

15 Cabinet positions today. Head of each is appointed by the President and subject to Senate confirmation. Almost all chosen on Party lines. Many helped get President elected. President tries to give regional balance by choosing people from all demographic and geographic areas.

Interest groups influence appointment of some. Cabinet members have 2 major jobs; 1. Administrative leader of his/her department. 2. Advisor to the President in their particular area. Some Presidents take advice more serious than others.

Objective 10; Compare and contrast role and responsibilities of the Executive Office of the President, the independent regulatory agencies, and the government corporations, understanding the purpose of each in shaping pubic policy.

Executive Office of the President (EOP) a complex organization of several separate agencies staffed by advisors of the President. Est The White House Office; “Nerve Center” of the EOP. Most of the President’s staff occupies the West Wing of the White House.

Chief of Staff directs all operations of the White House Office. White House Office also includes, Press Secretary, legal advisors, President’s doctor, First Lady’s Office, etc… Over 400 people work for the White House Office.

Current Chief of Staff is Rahm Emanuel.