The Presidency

Constitutional Qualifications Natural born citizen of the United States What does this mean? 35 years of age Lived in country for 14 years Other “qualifications” are political considerations Sidney Hyman’s list discussed in class

Term of Office Four year term 22nd Amend. (1951) limits to two terms Washington set the tradition of two terms FDR broke with tradition in 1940 on eve of World War Two Sept 1, 1939 Germany invaded Poland 22nd Amend. (1951) limits to two terms VP who succeeds to the Presidency after midpoint may serve two terms (if elected) Maximum of 10 years

The Vice President Originally 2nd choice in Electoral College 12th Amendment changed to “ticket” Electors cannot vote for both a President & VP candidate from their state. 25th Amendment select replacement VP if office is vacant

President Trivia President’s pay Expenses Room & Board Travel $400,000 Expenses $50,000 Room & Board White House Travel Air Force One 747 Vice President’s pay $237,000 Expenses Room & Board Naval Observatory Travel To various undisclosed locations

Presidential Roles & Powers Chief of State Symbol of the U.S. Government & People Represent U.S. to other countries George Washington

Presidential Roles & Powers Chief Executive Enforces law, court decisions Appoints cabinet, commissioners, etc Executive orders Senate approval needed for many appointments Franklin D. Roosevelt

Presidential Roles & Powers Chief Diplomat Foreign policy Negotiate treaties Appoint ambassadors Recognize foreign countries Senate must approve appointments and treaties (2/3) James Monroe

Presidential Roles & Powers Commander in Chief Civilian authority over the military NSC National Security Council Congress declares war War Powers Resolution

Presidential Roles & Powers Chief Legislator State of the Union Outline proposals Veto bills Call special sessions Veto override President proposes, Congress disposes Lyndon Johnson

Presidential Roles & Powers Chief Jurist Appoints Federal Judges – for life. Pardon Senate must approve appointments William Taft

Presidential Roles & Powers Chief Economist Control of Business Cycle Fiscal Policy Tax & Spending Council of Economic Advisors Congress control over Budget Federal Reserve System

Presidential Roles & Powers Head of Political Party Political Patronage in Appointments Control of Party they lead

Presidential Roles & Powers World Leader U.S. is most powerful nation on Earth Economic power Military power Moral leader? Every rational national leader in the world must consider the U.S. position when making a decision.

Presidential Roles & Powers Chief Citizen Representative of the People Work for the public interest Whole nation, not just those that voted for him.

Presidential Powers Executive Privilege President’s claim Candid advice Separation of Powers Watergate tapes U.S. v Nixon 1973 There is no “absolute unqualified presidential privilege of immunity from judicial process under all circumstances”

Presidential Powers Executive Orders –”executive power” Examples: Have the full force of law Some laws delegate to the President some degree of discretionary power Examples: integration of the armed forces - Harry Truman the desegregation of public schools - Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Order 9066 - Franklin D. Roosevelt delegated military authority to remove any or all people in a military zone. paved the way for all Japanese-Americans on the West Coast to be sent to internment camps for the duration of World War II

Presidential Powers War Powers Resolution 1973 Passed over Pres. Nixon veto President must inform within 48 hours If Congress doesn’t authorize: Troops may stay 60 days Additional 30 day withdrawal period Constitutional? Every President has questioned Example of a Legislative Veto

Presidential Powers Budget Reform Act 1974 Presidents since Jefferson have impounded funds Can temporarily defer spending Cannot cut programs unilaterally Established current budget process. House & Senate Budget Committees CBO – Congressional Budget Office Fiscal Year starts on October 1

President Proposes, Congress Disposes