The Executive Branch Introduction

The President Head of the executive branch Needed one to carry out the acts of Congress The founders believed the executive branch could protect: –L–Liberty –P–Private property –B–Business

The Wild Card Powers are broad but vague “The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America.” It can be played or interpreted in many ways Examples –F–Fire officials –M–Make agreements –T–Take emergency actions to save the nation

Specific Powers 1)Commander and chief of the armed forces and the state militias 2)Appoints the heads of executive departments 3)May pardon people convicted of federal crimes (1 exception) 4)Make treaties with advice and consent of the Senate 5)Appoint ambassadors, federal court judges, & other top officials

Specific Powers 6)Delivers State of the Union address to Congress with messages from time to time 7)Calls Congress into special session if needed 8)Meets with heads of states, ambassadors, & other foreign officials 9)Commissions all military officers of the United States 10)Ensures that the laws Congress passes are “faithfully executed”

Presidential Info & Perks 4 year term 2 term limit (22 nd Amendment) 10 year limit (22 nd Amendment) Salary = $400,000/year Travel allowance = $100,000/year Planes, helicopters, limousines available Free medical, dental, & health care

Presidential Info & Perks Live in the White House –132 rooms Swimming pool Bowling alley Movie theatre Tennis courts Full staff –Government pays the expense of operating the White House

Presidential Info & Perks Lifetime pension –$148,400/year –Free office space –Free mailing services –$96,000/year for office help –Spouses are eligible for up to $20,000 /year when they die All of these perks are not why people seek the Presidency

Constitutional Requirements Must be a natural-born citizen of the United States Must be at least 35 years of age Must be a resident of the United States for at least 14 years before taking office Same requirements for the Vice President

What did you say?

Presidential Qualifications You usually need some political experience (unwritten rule) Since 1900, it is usually a senator or state governor Running for the office requires a lot of money from supporters and one’s own checkbook Usually not too conservative or too liberal

Personal Characteristics Most have come from northern European backgrounds Most have come from middle class families Generally white, married, Protestant, & financially successful The office tends to do a number on a person

Presidential Succession 25th Amendment –Order of succession –What happens if the Vice Presidency becomes vacant? (appointment by President) Line of succession –Vice President –Speaker of the House –President pro tempore of the Senate –Heads of cabinet members starting with the Secretary of State

25 th Amendment Again If a president becomes disabled: –1. Vice President assumes duties –2. Vice President will take over if they and a majority of the cabinet say tell Congress the president is disabled –The second one is only put into place if the president is unwilling or unable to talk to Congress –President can resume if he talks to Congress –If there is an issue it is decided by Congress (21 days)

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