Presidential Pamphlet
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Constitutional Requirements
- The president be a natural born citizen of the United States
- Must be over the age of 35 years old
- Has been a resident of the United States for the last 14 years
Benefits
- $400,000 annual salary
- Free transportation (presidential limousine, Air Force One, & Marine One)
- Free housing in The White House
- Personal attendents (chef, maid, doctor, etc.)
- Annual pension of $200,000
- Health Care
- Paid office travel & an office
- Protection via the Secret Service
- Expense accounts including:
- General account ($50000)
- Official expenses of the White House office
- Entertainment expenses
- Separate entertainment expenses for official presidential functions
- Traveling expenses for the president and anyone traveling with him (above and beyond the free limo, helicopter, and airplane rides)
Executive Powers
- Appointment and Removal Powers- The presidential power to appoint people to fill the top posts in the executive branch & is also able to remove people from these positions at any time for any reason
- Executive Order- a formal rule or regulation instructing executive branch officials on how to carry out their jobs.
- Executive Privilege- the power to refuse to release information to Congress or a court.
Diplomatic Powers
- The president has the power to negotiate treaties, or formal agreements between two or more countries that are used to end conflicts, form alliances, and establish trade relationships.
- Power to make executive agreements, which are similar to treaties but do not require the advice and consent of the Senate.
- Diplomatic recognition or the power to formally recognize the legitimacy of a foreign government.
- The power to ensure the defense and security of the nation and its interests around the world.
Judicial Powers
- The presidents ability to nominate the people who become federal judges and justices.
- the ability to alter the sentences of people convicted of crimes through their powers of clemency, or mercy.
- Presidential Veto
Roles of the President
- Party Leader: The president as the leader of his/her party. The president campaigns for those members who have supported his policies
- Commander and Chief: This power gives the president direct and immediate control of the military
- Chief Executive: Power to administer laws and affairs of the nation
- Chief of State: The president as ceremonial head of the United States
- Chief Diplomat: The creator of American foreign policy and spokesperson for the United States to other nations
- Chief Legislator: The president as the main author of public policy
Guided Questions
1. To what political party does the current president belong? Democrats
2. In what ways can a sitting president work on behalf of his party? The president can appoint members of his party into positions of party.
3. In what ways can the president's party continue to work on his behalf? Stand behind the president on big decisions and side with him in new policy.
4. What is the benefit of having a civilian who is an elected public official as the commander-inchief? The ability to see the needs of the public and things that would be in their best interest
5. What might be some of the drawbacks? A possible lack of military knowledge and strategy.
6. Which recent executive orders have impacted the state of the nation? Signing orders to halt the deportation to those who came to the United States when they were young, those who care for children, and those who have not committed crimes.
7. What article in the Constitution grants the president executive power? Article 2
8. When has a president visited U.S. cities in distress? When a state or city is devastated in the wake of a disaster.
9. How would a president play the role of chief of state during wartime? Maintaining support for the troops as well as their families and continuing to keep the sentiment toward the military positive among the public.
10. Which foreign leaders has the president recently hosted at the White House? Which nations has the president recently visited? What have been the motivating reasons for these visits? 10 day visit to Asia to meet with Chinese leaders, to work on foreign policy with Asia
11. Which countries have been traditional allies of the United States? Do these friendly relationships remain strong today? Europe & France and yes they still are.
12. Name one controversial piece of legislation that the president has pushed through Congress. Obamacare
13. How has the president pushed his plan for healthcare? He has phased it in in a series of stages
-Presidential Veto