The President’s Job Chapter 7, Section 2

Article II U.S. Constitution “The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America.”

President’s Powers… Execute (carry out) the laws passed by Congress. Veto (reject) bills passed in Congress Serve as commander in chief of the armed forces. Receive leaders and other officials of foreign countries.

President’s Powers… Make treaties with other countries. Senate must approve treaties. Appoint heads of executive agencies, federal court judges, ambassadors, and other top government officials. Senate must approve Presidential appointments.

President’s Powers… Pardon or reduce the penalties against people convicted of federal crimes.

Qualifications At least 35 years old Native-born citizen Resident of US for at least 14 years

The President’s Major Roles 7

Commander in Chief President has final authority over all military matters. Checks and balances: Congress declares war President can order troops into battle War Powers Act 1973 8

IS THIS ACT CONSTITUTIONAL? WHY OR WHY NOT?? The War Powers Resolution of 1973 is a federal law intended to check the president's power to commit the United States to an armed conflict without the consent of Congress. It states that the President can send troops into action abroad only by declaration of war, "statutory authorization," or in case of "a national emergency created by attack upon the United States, its territories or possessions, or its armed forces.“ (911?) The War Powers Resolution requires the President to notify Congress within 48 hours of committing armed forces to military action and forbids armed forces from remaining for more than 60 days, with a further 30 day withdrawal period, without an authorization of the use of military force or a declaration of war. The resolution was passed by two-thirds of Congress, overriding a presidential veto. (why would president veto this?) IS THIS ACT CONSTITUTIONAL? WHY OR WHY NOT??

Chief Diplomat Deals with foreign countries Appoints ambassadors Makes treaties (approved by senate) Executive Agreements (not approved by senate) – ex. trade NAFTA 10

An executive agreement can only be negotiated and entered into through the president's authority (1) in foreign policy, (2) as commander-in-chief of the armed forces, or (3) from a prior act of Congress. For instance, it is as commander-in-chief that the President negotiates and enters into status of forces agreements (SOFAs), which govern the treatment and disposition of U.S. forces stationed in other nations. An executive agreement, however, cannot go beyond the President's constitutional powers.. The Case Act required the president to notify Congress within 60 days of any executive agreements that are formed; that figure has since been changed to 20 days.

Head of State President serves as a representative or symbol of the whole nation 12

Chief Executive Carry out the nation’s laws Issue executive orders Regulation from president that has power of law (desegregation of schools) Appoints cabinet members, judges, and other federal officials Senate must approve. Issues pardons and grant amnesty (forgive) Can issue reprieves and commutations (suspend or reduce) 13

Party Leader Supports party members in election campaigns Helps unify the party and give it direction 14

Legislative Leader Introduce/ Propose Laws Calls special sessions of Congress to consider urgent matters Approves or vetoes legislation 15

Economic Leader President deals with economic problems (Unemployment, high taxes, rising prices) Plans the federal budget Congress must approve 16

Don’t forget these… State of the Union address –report to congress and the nation Presidential Succession Who takes office of president if he dies or must leave (25th Amendment) 17

3 things you learned about the executive branch Assignment: 321 Closure 3 things you learned about the executive branch 2 questions you still have about the executive branch 1thing you would do immediately if you were president