“IN THE SCHEME OF OUR NATIONAL GOVERNMENT, THE PRESIDENCY IS PREEMINENTLY THE PEOPLE’S OFFICE.”- GROVER CLEAVELAND, 1900 The American President

The Road to the White House

Roles of the President Chief of State Chief Executive Chief Administrator Chief Diplomat Commander in Chief Chief Legislator Chief of Party Chief Citizen

Presidential Qualifications

Who can run? Formal Qualificatons Must be a natural born citizen Must be at least 35 years old Must have lived in the United States for at least fourteen years.

Who usually wins? Informal Qualifications Records in Public Office Governors are the most common nominees. Most have law degrees. Most are Protestants, most are white, all have been men Pleasant & healthy appearance, seem to be happily married. Only 5 have been divorced. Great speaking ability

The Presidential Term Four year terms Can be elected twice, and serve half of another’s presidency, for a maximum of 10 years in office. The 22 nd Amendment limits presidential terms. Before 1951, it was only tradition that kept presidents from running more than twice. Franklin D. Roosevelt broke tradition and was elected to four terms. Congress quickly remedied that after his death.

Pay & Benefits $400,000 per year $50,000 per year expense account Residence is the White House (132 room mansion) Use of the Oval Office & White House staff Fleet of automobiles Air Force One Camp David (resort hideaway in mountains of MD) More stress than any other human being will ever experience!

Who’s Next in Line? Presidential Succession Act of 1947: Congress fixed the order of succession after the Vice President. 1. Vice President 2. Speaker of the House 3. President pro tempore of the Senate 4. Secretary of State 5. Secretary of the Treasury 6. Secretary of Defense 7. Attorney General

The 25 th Amendment What happens if the President becomes disabled? 1. The VP becomes acting president if the president informs Congress in writing that he is “unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office.” 2. The VP and a majority of the members of the Cabinet, inform Congress, in writing that the president is so incapacitated. *Presidents have transferred power 3 times to undergo surgery.

The Vice Presidency

Importance of the Office Presides over the Senate Helps decide the question of presidential disablity “Heartbeat away from the Presidency” Balance the Ticket If the office becomes vacant, the 25 th Amendment allows the President to nominate a replacement who must be confirmed by a majority in both houses.

The Framers’ Plan for Presidential Selection