The President What does he/she do?

The President’s Roles Chief of State Chief executive Ceremonial head of the United States government Symbol of all people in the nation Both “reigns and rules” Chief executive Very broad power “Most powerful office in the world” Still, has limits on what he/she can do

Chief of State

The President’s Roles Chief administrator Chief diplomat Head the executive branch Directs a ton of employees (over 2 million) Huge budget to administer Chief diplomat “Architect” of foreign policy He/she dictates our interactions with other countries

Chief Administrator

The President's Roles Commander in chief Chief legislator Related to chief diplomat The military is at his direct command Delegates much of his power Chief legislator He/she guides public policy Initiates, suggests, requests, insists, demands laws Not always a pleasant experience These six come directly from the Constitution

Commander in Chief

Chief Legislator

The President’s Roles Chief of party Chief citizen Leader of the party that controls the White House Very important in politics Chief citizen “Representative of all people” He must be a moral leader These roles are difficult to balance and complete simultaneously

Formal Qualifications Must be a natural born citizen of the United States Some discussion and debate about this Be at least 35 years of age Youngest elected was JFK (43) Youngest in office was Teddy Roosevelt (42) Oldest elected was Reagan (69) Must have lived in the United States for 14 years Over 100 million people meet these requirements

JFK

Teddy Roosevelt

Ronald Reagan

The President’s Term Term is four years long This was debated in the convention Was no limit on terms until 1951 GW established the precedent early on FDR broke the precedent The 22nd Amendment says only two terms is allowed You COULD serve up to 10 years Some have called for repeal of 22nd Amendment Limits your second term effectiveness

President’s Pay and Benefits Congress sets the pay for the President Cannot be raised or lowered during a term Pay is set at $400,000 a year (effective in 2001) Also has a $50,000 expense account Both are taxed as income All kinds of great benefits 132 room mansion 18 acre estate Offices and staff Limos, planes, helicopters, etc. Health care, travel, entertainment On and on and on

White House

Air Force 1

Marine 1