2. The Executive Branch … Article 2 of the Constitution American Government

5. Robert Reich… “Unlike Britain and other democratic monarchies, we ask our country’s leader to do two jobs simultaneously, to act both as the head of the government and as the symbol of the nation. It is a hard act. Governing involves tough compromises and gritty reality. Symbolism requires nobility and grandeur, We demand a street-smart wheeler dealer, but also want a king and royal family.”

6. The President’s Job Description Chief of State –Ceremonial head of the gov’t –Symbol of the American people to the entire world –Rules and Reigns unlike king or queen who only reigns Chief Executive –Leads the entire Executive Branch –CEO of the gov’t –Foreign and Domestic Influence –Most powerful office in the world Don’t forget about the checks and balances

7. Chief Administrator –Director of the Federal Gov’t –“Employer” of 2.7 million workers –In charge of spending $2 trillion Commander in Chief ($400,000,000,000 / year) –Director and in Immediate Control of the Armed Forces ($400,000,000,000 / year) Chief Legislator –“Architect” of public policy –Helps Congress set their agenda –Guides a lot of legislation The President’s Job Description

8. Chief of Party –Leader of the party that controls the Executive Branch at the time Chief Citizen –Represents all citizens – should put his (and SIGs) opinions to the side Chief Diplomat –Spokesman to the world –Lots of influence abroad Remember he (or she) has to carry out all of these jobs at the same time…

9. It’s a balancing act… Lyndon Johnson – –Had difficulty with duties as commander in chief –Vietnam effected his abilities to do other duties Richard Nixon –Had difficulty with Chief of Party (Watergate) –Had difficulty with Chief Citizen (Watergate)

10. Formal Qualifications Natural Born Citizen –Law of Blood / Law of Soil At least 35 years old Lived in the USA for at least 14 years (at some point) Pretty broad qualifications…about 100 million Americans qualify for this job…its easier to be qualified to be PRESIDENT, than it is to be a TEACHER in the State of Georgia!!

11. Presidential Trivia (Bonus Material) Oldest President – 69 Youngest person to ever serve – 42 Youngest person ever elected – 43 Average Presidential Age – Obama’s age when elected –

12. Presidential Term Term Length – 4 years Term Limits – 2 terms –Not until 1951 was this the case –What President served more than two terms? The most that any individual can serve is 10 years –A portion of one term (unelected) and then 2 – 4 year terms What Amendment?

13. Point of Historical Debate Alternative Terms have been discussed… –2 – 4 year terms –1 – 6 or 7 year term –Unlimited 4 year terms What do you think is best? Undemocratic? or Protection against executive tyranny?

14. It’s a high stress, 24/7/365 Job, so what do you get? Presidential Compensation

15. Presidential Pay History Date establishedSalarySalary in 2011 Dollars September 24September 24, 17891789$25,000$566,000 March 3March 3, 18731873$50,000$865,000 March 4March 4, 19091909$75,000$1,714,000 January 19January 19, 19491949$100,000$875,000 January 20January 20, 19691969$200,000$1,135,000 January 20January 20, 20012001$400,000$471,000

16. Presidential Compensation White House to live in (132 room mansion) Staff of White House (cooks, SS, staff, etc) Medical Care Boeing 747 – Air Force 1 USMC Helicopter – Marine 1 Limo – Cadillac 1 $400,000 / yr compensation $50,000 / yr expense account $100,000 / yr travel account $50,000 / yr entertainment account $191,000 / yr pension + staff & office, etc. (SS for only 10 years) Did you know… the POTUS has to pay for his own groceries, dry cleaning, even their toothpaste … Did you know… the POTUS has to pay for his own groceries, dry cleaning, even their toothpaste …