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
Section 1 When do elections take place? 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
Section 1 So does my vote count? 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
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)
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
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
Section 1 What is Presidential Succession? 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
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
Section 2 What are the duties of the President? State of the Union AddressPresident gives Congress information about issues facing the nation (required)
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
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
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
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
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
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)
Section 2 Role of the President: Party Leader
Party works hard to get the President elected so they want their political ideology Party works hard to get the (values/beliefs) to be promoted President elected so they want their political ideology (values/beliefs) to be promoted President supports members of her/his
own party for positions President supports members of Givesfor speeches her/his own party positionsto party
Helps to party raise money Gives speeches party Helps party raise money
