M12/15/14 Overview of President (Ch & 13.2; pp ) Q: What roles does the President play? Q: Which do you think is most important? Why?

I. Presidential Roles A. “Most Powerful Office in the World” –First 6 roles written in Constitution –1. chief of state –ceremonial head but also legitimate leader –reigns AND rules –2. chief executive –CEO of country –oversees domestic AND foreign policy –3. chief administrator –runs federal bureaucracy –over 2.7M employees –$2T+/year

I. Presidential Roles –4. chief diplomat –face of American foreign policy –deals directly with leaders of other countries –5. commander-in-chief –ultimate responsibly for all military affairs –oversees 1M+ members of military –6. chief legislator –main architect of public policy –cannot legislate, but Congress listens –pushes for/against legislation –party leaders, opposition must acknowledge power

I. Presidential Roles –last two roles not written in Constitution –“implied powers” of President –7. party chief –top leader of political party –all members of party look to Pres for leadership and advice –8. chief citizen –“representative of people”

II. Formal Qualifications Three Official Qualifications –1. Natural Born Citizen must be born in U.S.A. or territories –ex: challenges to President Obama some debate/discussion to end this requirement and change to naturalized citizens

II. Formal Qualifications –2. Age Requirement: 35 years old Youngest: Teddy Roosevelt (42) “TR” Youngest Elected: Jack Kennedy (43) “JFK” Oldest: Ronald Reagan (69-77) most in 50s –9 elected under 50 –25 in 50’s –10 in 60’s –3. Live in U.S. for 14 years

III. Presidential Term & Pay 4-year term must seek reelection 2-term tradition –started by George Washington codified by 22nd Amendment –“FDR Amendment” only President to serve more than 2 terms –some would like to change end term limits OR make one 6-year term would end “lame duck” term

III. Presidential Term & Pay (cont.) Pay is currently $400K –much more than average man –but significantly less than other jobs change over time: –1789: $25K –1873: $50K –1909: $75K –1949: $100K –1969: $200K –2001: $400K also receives perks, including $50K in expenses –Does the President receive a fair salary?