The President and Executive Branch
The President and Vice President
Qualifications and Electing a President
- Must be at least 35 years old
- Native Born American Citizen
- A resident of the United States for at least 14 years
- Presidential Elections take place every 4 years
- Constitution sets up the Electoral College. Each state appoints electors.
- Electoral votes=total number of senators and representatives
- 538 electors-must win 270
Term of Office
- 4 year terms-each president can only serve 2 terms
- Franklin D. Roosevelt served 4 terms-Twenty second amendment
The Vice President
Qualifications are the same and the constitution gives little authority
Becomes president if the President resigns, dies, is removed, or becomes sick
Discussion
The constitutional requirements for the president and vice president are the same. Why is this so?
Presidential Succession
After vice president-the speaker of the house, president pro tempore, then the secretary of the state
Twenty-Fifth Amendment
- If President dies or leaves office, the vice president becomes president
- The new president chooses a vice president
- Senate and House must approve the choice
Discussion
Do you think voters are given enough say in the choice of vice president?
Assignment
Answer this question with a paragraph. What did John Adams mean by saying, "I am vice president. In this I am nothing, but I may become everything"?
The President's Job
Constitutional Powers
- Veto bills
- Call Congress to session
- Commander in Chief
- Receive leaders and officials of foreign countries
- Make Treaties
- Appoints government officials
- Pardon or reduce penalties
President gives State of the Union address
Discussion
Should the president have more power than what the Constitution gives him or her? Why?
Roles of the President
- Carry out the laws passed by Congress
- Issue Executive Orders
- Appoint Judges
- Grant pardons, issue a reprieve, and grant amnesty
Chief Diplomat
- Directs foreign policy
Commander in Chief
- In charge of the armed forces (army, navy, marines, air force, and coast guard)
- Can order soldiers into battle
Legislative Leader
- Has a legislative program-new laws he wants Congress to pass
Head of State
- Visits foreign officials
- Carries out ceremonial functions
Economic Leader
- Deals with unemployment, rising prices, high taxes
- Plans Federal Government's budget
Party Leader
- leader of his or her political party
Discussion
Which role of the President do you think is the least important? why?