1. Bell Ringer!! Take the sheets to help with Cornell Notes………
Did you complete the questions over section one notes?

2. The Executive Branch
Chapter 7

3. Section 1 Who can become President?
At least 35 years old
Native-born US Citizen
Resident of the US for 14 years
What have our Presidents looked like so far?
All Male
White
Barack Obama 1st African American President
Protestant Christian
J.F.Kennedy 1st Catholic President
College Educated
Studied Law
From States with Large Populations

4. Section 1 When do elections take place? Who elects the President?
Every 4 years
Who elects the President?
Indirect election by the Electoral College
Each State appoints electors who then vote for one of the major political candidates
When citizens go to vote the Presidential candidates are listed but in reality you are choosing for a list of electors pledged to vote for that candidate
Add up the number of House Reps and the 2 Senators and that is how many electoral college votes the State has
Electoral College is seen as a “winner takes all” system

5. Section 1 So does my vote count? What if no one wins half?
Popular vote is in November- EC vote is December
To be elected the candidate needs to receive half of the 538 available votes
If the candidate wins the “popular vote” the candidate usually also wins the electoral college vote
What if no one wins half?
House of Reps votes with each State casting a single vote
1800 and 1824

6. Section 1
How long does the President serve as head of the Executive Branch?
4 years
Originally there was no limit on the number of times a President could be elected
Washington served 2 4-year terms (8 years) and refused a third. Most Presidents followed his example (custom/tradition)
1940 F.D.Roosevelt ran for a third term and in 1944 ran for a fourth term
22nd Amendment ratified in 1951 to establish a 2 term limit
Maximum 10 years (VP)

7. Section 1 What are the benefits to being President? Salary $400,000
Money for expenses and travel also given
Domestic staff of more than 8- people to take care of President and her/his family
Camp David
Catoctin Mountain in Maryland
Air Force One

8. Section 1 How is the Vice President elected?
Elected with the President through the Electoral College System
Qualifications same as President
What does the Vice President do?
Constitution gives the VP very little power
Article I- VP shall preside over the Senate and vote if there is a tie.
If the President dies, becomes so ill she/he cannot serve or resigns the VP takes over as President

9. Section 1 What is Presidential Succession? Presidential Succession Act
Who becomes President if something happens to the one elected
Presidential Succession Act
1947 Congress passes this law PAGE 211 look at it!
25th Amendment
Ratified in 1967 so that if President dies or leaves office the VP succeeds and chooses a new VP (both House and Senate have to approve)
Gives VP authority to determine if President is disabled/unable to do her/his job

10. Section 2 What are the duties of the President?
Article II of the Constitution
Main job is to execute (carry out) laws passed by Congress
Veto bills passed in Congress
Call Congress into Special Session
Serve as Commander and Chief of the armed forces
Receive leaders from foreign countries
Make treaties with other countries (Senate approves)
Appoint heads of executive agencies, federal court judges, ambassadors and top government officials (Senate approves)
Pardon or reduce penalties against people convicted of federal crimes

11. What are the duties of the President?
Section 2
What are the duties of the President?
State of the Union Address- President gives Congress information about issues facing the nation (required)

12. Section 2 Role of the President: Chief Executive
In order to carry out nation’s laws President is in charge of 15 cabinet departments and the 3 million civilians who work for the federal government
Executive Order- rule or command that has the force of law
Power of Appointment- President has power to appoint judges to the Supreme Court and other federal courts (Senate approves)
Pardon: declaration of forgiveness and freedom from punishment
Reprieve: delay a person’s punishment
Amnesty: pardon towards a group of people

13. Role of the President: Chief Diplomat
Section 2
Role of the President: Chief Diplomat
President directs foreign policy (strategy) on how the US interacts with other nations and acts towards other nations

14. Section 2 Role of the President: Commander in Chief
Leading the armed forces gives the President the ability to back up foreign policy decisions with force if necessary
Congress declares war President orders soldiers into battle
1973 Congress passed War Powers Resolution- President has to notify Congress within 48 hours if troops are sent to battle and must be brought home in 60 days unless Congress approves they stay longer or declares war

15. Section 2 Role of the President: Legislative Leader
Congress expects the President to propose legislation
(Bills/Resolutions) that she/he would like to see enacted
President makes speeches to build support for her/his proposals and meets with individual Congresspeople to persuade them to support key legislation
Congress/President often disagree
-Length of time
-State vs nation

16. Section 2 Role of the President: Head of State
Living symbol of the USA
President travels around the world or hosts important leaders in D.C.
Ceremonial Duties
- Medals to heros

17. Section 2 Role of the President: Economic Leader
Deals with unemployment, rising prices (inflation), taxes
President plans the federal government budget (deficit spending/debt control)

18. Section 2 Role of the President: Party Leader
Party works hard to get the President elected so they want their political ideology (values/beliefs) to be promoted
President supports members of her/his own party for positions
Gives speeches to party
Helps party raise money