1. Unit 2: Branches of U.S. Government
Lecture & Discussion 4: The Chief Executive

2. Do Now
Watch the intro to the video “Article II of the U.S. Constitution” (0:00-5:27) and answer the prompts.
What is established in Article II?
What options did the framers consider when they created the executive branch?
What were their concerns about concentrating authority in one person? Why did they do so?
Article II establishes the executive branch, including the office of the President, who is eligible for that role, how they get elected, and their powers.
Before establishing a single executive, the framers considered an executive council and a President who answered to a separate council
The framers were concerned about creating a monarchy. A plural executive failed under the Articles. A single President would be better for executing laws and assigning responsibilities.

3. Political Dictionary Record the following terms. Electoral College
Amendments 22 & 25
Presidential Succession Act
administration & federal bureaucracy
White House staff (e.g. chief of staff)
Executive Office of President (e.g. OMB, NSC)
executive departments & cabinet (e.g. State, Defense, Education, Homeland Security)
independent agencies (e.g. NASA, CIA, EPA)

4. Essential Question
Consider the following focus question and write a response when the lesson is complete.
How does the President both manage and receive assistance from the vast bureaucracy in the executive branch?

5. Introduction
Before deciding on a “term of four years” for the President, the framers considered several options including a term of seven years and life. With this in mind, respond to the prompts.
In your opinion, what is the appropriate term for POTUS? Explain.
Do you believe in term limits for the President? Why or why not?

6. Reading Notes Read Chapter 13.2: Chief Executive
Complete the table to identify the formal qualifications of the President.
The Constitution requires the President to be…
Qualification
Description
Age
35 years of age
Citizenship
natural born citizen
Residency
14 years in United States

7. Reading Notes Read Chapter 13.2: Chief Executive
What are the informal qualifications to be President?
Americans tend to like presidents who are…
white
middle-aged
wealthy, educated, Christian
men

8. Reading Notes Read Chapter 13.2: Chief Executive
What is the Electoral College?
A body of electors from each state who cast votes to elect the president and vice president of the United States

9. Reading Notes Read Chapter 13.2: Chief Executive
What is a president’s term in office?

10. Reading Notes Read Chapter 13.2: Chief Executive
How is presidential succession determined?
Section 1: In the event of death, resignation, or removal from office, the Vice President becomes President
Section 2: In the event of a vacancy, the President chooses the Vice President

11. Reading Notes Read Chapter 13.2: Chief Executive
How is presidential succession determined?
Section 3: In the event the President notifies Congress in writing he can no longer perform the duties, the Vice President becomes President
Section 4: In the event the VP and majority of cabinet notify Congress in writing the President can no longer perform the duties, the Vice President becomes President

12. Reading Notes Read Chapter 13.2: Chief Executive
How is presidential succession determined?

13. Reading Notes
Read Chapter 13.5: The Organization of the Executive Branch
Complete the diagram to identify and explain the four main groups of the executive branch.
Independent Agencies
Executive Departments
White House Staff
Executive Office of President

14. Reading Notes
Read Chapter 13.5: The Organization of the Executive Branch
Complete the diagram to identify and explain the four main groups of the executive branch.
White House Staff:
President’s closes aides who are typically drawn from the campaign staff and longtime associates
most powerful is chief of staff
staff is NOT subject to Senate confirmation
oversee the political and policy interests of the President from the West Wing of White House

15. Reading Notes
Read Chapter 13.5: The Organization of the Executive Branch
Complete the diagram to identify and explain the four main groups of the executive branch.
Executive Office of the President (EOP):
agencies that report directly to the President, but are not located in White House
aim to carry out specific goals of administration
positions are filled by presidential appointment subject to Senate confirmation
key agencies include OMB, CEA and NSC

16. Reading Notes
Read Chapter 13.5: The Organization of the Executive Branch
Complete the diagram to identify and explain the four main groups of the executive branch.
Executive Departments:
departments that carry out the work of government in broad areas of public policy, such as defense
heads of departments are filled by presidential appointment subject to Senate confirmation
department secretaries form the presidential cabinet, whose influence has diminished over time

17. The Cabinet Departments

18. Reading Notes
Read Chapter 13.5: The Organization of the Executive Branch
Complete the diagram to identify and explain the four main groups of the executive branch.
Independent Agencies:
agencies that do not fall within executive departments, but answer directly to the President
leadership positions are filled by presidential appointment subject to Senate confirmation
agencies such as NASA, CIA and FDA help to implement federal policy

19. Processing
Research the current president’s White House Staff. Who are his closes aides?
Chief of Staff:
Director of Communications:
Press Secretary:
White House Counsel:
Staff Secretary:
Special Assistants: