1. The Executive Branch
The President

2. Roles of the President Chief of State Chief Executive
Ceremonial head of the people
A “symbol/mascot” for the nation
Like the Queen of England
Chief Executive
Constitutional Powers
To enforce the laws of the nation

3. Roles of the President Chief Administrative Officer Chief Diplomat
Head of the bureaucracy
Huge labor force to carry
out the work of
the government
Chief Diplomat
Spokesperson of
America to the world
Creator of US foreign
policy

4. Roles of the President Commander in Chief Chief Legislator
Head of the US Armed Forces
Chief Legislator
Sets the over-all shape of
public agenda
Works with Congress to.
get policies enacted
into law

5. Roles of the President Chief of the Party Chief Citizen
Not in the Constitution
An automatic position
The “Top Dog” in the party
Chief Citizen
Represents the people
Against big government
Against big business
What we would want to do in times of greatness or pain

6. Succession to the Presidency
What if the President dies, resigns , gets removed or is disabled and can’t do the job?
Vice President assumes office
Then … Speaker of the House
President Pro Tempore of Senate
Cabinet members

7. The Race for the Presidency
Nomination
Get noticed
Media
Fundraising
Primaries and Caucuses
Choosing the PARTY candidate
Open – can vote in either party
Closed – can only vote for the party you’re registered in

8. The Race for the Presidency
Primaries and Caucuses
Candidates vie for
party title to run for office
Sports analogy
Semi-finals
Elimination rounds
Early primaries are
most important

9. The Race for the Presidency
National Conventions
Party Pep Rallies
Formally announce
Presidential Nominee
Vice Presidential Nominee
Party platform
Debates
General Election – the final contest for president

10. The Race for the Presidency
The Electoral College
Need 270 electoral votes
Most states are “winner-take-all”
Can lead to a “minority president”
A president who wins
the electoral vote
But lost the popular vote

11. The President’s Growing Power
Presidential focus
Interpret laws to own feelings
Delay or push action on certain laws
Executive Orders
Weight of law
Policy needed by bureaucracy to function
Executive Privilege
Confidentiality
Advisors need to be able to be open without constant public scrutiny

12. The President’s Growing Power
Growing Bureaucracy
President oversees the bureaucratic process
Expanded Programs
New Deal Legislation
Social Security Act
Federal Housing Administration
Obama-Care

13. Text Book Readings 364 – 368 377 – 385 400 – 404 410 – 411
Complete worksheet
377 – 385
400 – 404
410 – 411
Answer “Thinking Critically” questions 1 & 2 from p. 411