1. The President’s Job
Chapter 7, Section 2

2. Article II U.S. Constitution
“The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America.”

3. President’s Powers… Execute (carry out) the laws passed by Congress.
Veto (reject) bills passed in Congress
Serve as commander in chief of the armed forces.
Receive leaders and other officials of foreign countries.

4. President’s Powers… Make treaties with other countries.
Senate must approve treaties.
Appoint heads of executive agencies, federal court judges, ambassadors, and other top government officials.
Senate must approve Presidential appointments.

5. President’s Powers…
Pardon or reduce the penalties against people convicted of federal crimes.

6. Qualifications At least 35 years old Native-born citizen
Resident of US for at least 14 years

7. The President’s Major Roles7

8. Chief Executive Carry out the nation’s laws Issue executive orders
Regulation from president that has power of law (desegregation of schools)
Appoints cabinet members, judges, and other federal officials
Senate must approve.
Issues pardons and grant amnesty (forgive)
Can issue reprieves and commutations (suspend or reduce) 8

9. Party Leader Supports party members in election campaigns
Helps unify the party and give it direction 9

10. Chief Diplomat Deals with foreign countries Appoints ambassadors
Makes treaties (approved by senate)
Executive Agreements (not approved by senate) – ex. trade NAFTA 10

11. Commander in Chief
President has final authority over all military matters.
Checks and balances:
Congress declares war
President can order troops into battle
War Powers Act 1973 11

12. Legislative Leader Introduce/ Propose Laws
Calls special sessions of Congress to consider urgent matters
Approves or vetoes legislation 12

13. Head of State
President serves as a representative or symbol of the whole nation 13

14. Economic Leader
President deals with economic problems (Unemployment, high taxes, rising prices)
Plans the federal budget
Congress must approve 14

15. Don’t forget these…
State of the Union address –report to congress and the nation
Presidential Succession
Who takes office of president if he dies or must leave (25th Amendment) 15

22. 3 things you learned about the executive branch
2 questions you still have about the executive branch
1thing you would do immediately if you were president