The Constitution & the President Introduction to Chapter 14

Contrast Between Presidents & Prime Ministers -Elected by indirect voting of people -Chosen by members of Parliament -Found mainly in the Americas -Found mainly in Europe -Cabinet outside of Congress -Cabinet from Parliament -4 year term -No set term -Run as an “outsider” -Always “inside” Parliament -No guarantee of Legis. majority -Always has Legis. majority -Runs as individual -Runs for the Party -Both Chief Execs. -Both appoint Cabinet. -Both are the Commander in Chief -Both have legis.agendas

Discussion of Reading Discuss Unified Government. –Define. –Pros? Ease of tackling legislative agenda Quick, decisive action-few filibusters w/ 60+ –Cons? Lack of consideration of law impact Exs. Patriot Act, Affordable Care Act Tyranny of the majority

Discussion of Reading Discuss Divided Government. –Define. –Cons? Gridlock –Define –Good, bad or both? Filibuster –How do you stop the minority? –Pros? Deliberative Legislation via compromise? Safety valve for the losers of the other branch?

The Most Controversial Laws of the Last 100 Years

The Most Controversial Laws of the Last 100 Years

Controversial Laws Passed in Unified vs. Divided Gov’t LawPresidentHouseHouse Difference SenateSenate Difference Federal Reserve Act WilsonDemocrats58%Democrats86% Tariff ActHooverRepublicans82%Republicans69% Medicaid Amendments JohnsonDemocrats38%Democrats41% Welfare Reform Act ClintonRepublicans49%Republicans46% “Bush” Tax Cuts George W. Bush Republicans85%Republicans68% Affordable Care Act ObamaDemocrats87%Democrats100%

Peaceful Transition Fears of Presidency: –Jefferson: “Bad edition of the Polish king.” –Randolph: “Foetus of a monarchy” What fears did the Constitution try to solve? How did they resolve them? –Domination by Senate over foreign policy –Election –Term of Office 44x with a peaceful transition: obama-takes-oath-office

The Office of the President Constitutional Requirements (2.1.5) No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States. Impeachment (2.4, 1.2, 1.3) Andrew Johnson impeached by HOR, acquitted by Senate by 1 vote Richard Nixon resigned after House Judiciary recommended impeachment Bill Clinton impeached by HOR, acquitted by Senate

Amendments Affecting President (12)

Important vocabulary: Lame Duck President Amendments Affecting President (20)

Amendments Affecting President (22)

Amendments Affecting President (25) Discuss the Act of Succession 1947

Assignment: Due Monday! Read pp , including inset on Bush v. Gore & handout on the Electoral College. Complete questions about the system to refresh details and develop a position. Be ready to debate the politics, outcomes, and effects of Bush v. Gore.