The Presidency

Presidential Roles Chief of State- ceremonial head of government of the USA, a symbol Chief Executive- vested with executive powers Chief Administrator- director of huge executive branch of the government Chief Diplomat- main architect of foreign policy and spokesperson to the world Commander in Chief- commander of US armed forces

Presidential Roles Chief legislator- principle author of public policies Chief of party- leader of party that controls executive branch Chief Citizen- representative of the people, expected to take the high road and champion public interest over private interest

Formal qualifications A natural born citizen of the United State 35 years old- Teddy Roosevelt youngest at 42 14 years a resident within the United States- can be any 14 years in a persons life

Informal Qualifications Its all about Electability Political Experience Triangle (must at least be two of the three) White Male Protestant

The Presidential Term 4 year terms Original constitution set no limit on terms “no third tradition” set by Washington FDR won 4 terms 22nd Amendment made two terms the max Max 2 terms 8 years No President may serve more than 10 years in the office

The Presidential Term Truman, Eisenhower, and Regan argued for repeal of 22nd amendment Undemocratic Undercuts authority of two term president Its backers say it safeguards against executive tyranny Some have argued for one 6 year term so they don’t have to campaign

Pay and Benefits $400,000 a year effective Jan 20 2001 $50,000 a year expense allowance Live in the White House, 132 room, 18.3 acre estate Sizable suite of offices and large staff Fleet of automobiles, air force one Lots of fringe benefits

Presidential Succession Presidential Disability 25th Amendment Vice President becomes acting president if The president informs congress in writing The vice president and majority of cabinet inform congress in writing President writes to congress when able again If Vice and cabinet challenge congress must decide

Presidential Succession Line of Succession 1. Vice President 2. Speaker of the House 3. President pro tempore of the Senate 4. Secretary of State 5. Secretary of Treasury 6. Secretary of Defense 7. Attorney General 8-18. rest of cabinet

Vice Presidency Two constitutional responsibilities Preside of the Senate To help decide the question of presidential disability A “president in waiting” Now a way to balance the Ticket Election benefits Vice Presidential vacancy covered by 25th Amendment Approved by the senate