1. The President’s Job Description
Critical Thinking:
Demonstrate understanding of President’s many roles
Formal Qualifications:
“natural born Citizen” of U.S. (jus sanguinis controversy)
35 years of age
14 years residency in U.S.

2. Question: Which Amendment limited President to two terms and why?
22nd Amendment (1951): “No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice….”
Maximum of two full terms or 10 years
Traditions as informal amendments to Constitution

3. Succession of Presidency and VP
The “24” Quiz: What if…..?
1947 law – Speaker of House
25th Amendment (1967): New Prez nominates new VP, who is confirmed by majority of Congress
If no new VP yet, 1947 law…
Question: If VP and majority of Cabinet declare Prez “unable to discharge powers”, what happens if Prez disagrees?
Congress decides: 2/3 both houses

4. The President’s Roles
Six formal roles come directly from the Constitution
Other roles have been assumed by Presidents throughout history

5. Chief of State Chief Executive
Ceremonial head of government
Symbol of the nation’s ideals, principles, traditions
“protect and defend the Constitution” (Art. II, s.1)
“take care that the laws be faithfully executed” (Art. II, sec. 3)
Executive Orders
Agency Regulations

6. Chief Administrator Appoints high public officers and federal judges
Rule of Senatorial Courtesy – Senate will only approve appointees acceptable to Senator of Prez’s party from that state
The Cabinet and the White House Staff
Director of Executive Branch/federal bureaucracy
Over 2.7 million civilians; more than $2 trillion/year
Crisis Manager

7. Chief Legislator Main architect of public policies
Often shapes the congressional agenda
Initiates, suggest, or pressures Congress to enact much major legislation
Veto and Pocket Veto Power
Controversy over Signing Statements

8. Chief Diplomat Commander in Chief
Chief architect of American foreign policy
Appoints ambassadors
Negotiates Treaties
Nation’s spokesperson to the rest of the world
Final responsibility and authority for Armed Forces
Delegates authority to Sec. Defense and Joint Chiefs
Over 1 million troops subject to the President’s direct control

9. Making Undeclared War
QUESTION: Does the Constitution give the President the power to make war without a declaration of war by Congress?
Congress has not declared war since WWII, despite numerous “wars”:
Examples: N. Korea and Vietnam
Recent examples: Afghanistan and Iraq
Congress passed 8 joint resolutions since WWII to authorize President to use force

10. The War Powers Resolution (1973)
A result of growing frustration over Vietnam
Provisions:
1) Within 48 hours after sending American forces abroad, President must report to Congress with details
2) Combat commitment must end within 60 days, unless Congress agrees to a longer period
3) Congress may end combat by passing a resolution to that effect
Not yet tested

11. Informal Roles Chief of party Leader of Political Party
Parties not mentioned in Constitution, but play vital role in govt.
Chief citizen
Represent highest standards of citizenship
Expected to work for and represent the public interest

12. Other Roles Economy Stewardship of economy
International trade and planning
Submits annual budget to Congress
Economy seen as President’s job; President’s fault if poor

13. Pay and Benefits Congress determines salary
It can not be changed during a term
$400,000 per year set in 1999, became effective January 20, 2001.
Also provided with a $50,000-a-year expense allowance
Plus fringe benefits

14. Critical Thinking Questions
List five informal qualifications you think one should have in order to be seriously considered for the presidency. Explain your choices
At $400,000 a year, the President’s salary is far more than that of many wealthy Americans, yet less than the yearly income of the wealthiest Americans. Do you think the President is fairly compensated? Why or why not?