1. The President
SSCG13 and Beyond

2. The President of the United States
Barack H. Obama II
44th President, elected in 2008
Senator from Illinois
Democrat

3. Presidential Qualifications
The Constitution sets 3 requirements for the president:
1. a candidate must be a natural-born citizen
2. at least 35 years old
3. a resident of the United States for 14 years
Experience in government is an unwritten but important qualification.

4. What is a natural born citizen?
Law of soil
Born on U.S. land
In one of the states
In one of the territories (Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, Marshall Islands, Guam)
On a U.S. military base overseas
In a U.S. embassy
Citizenship of parents does not matter
Law of blood
One parent is a citizen
Place of birth does not matter

5. Leadership Qualities and Skills
Presidents must understand the people.
Presidents must be able to communicate effectively and explain their policies clearly in order to inspire public support.
Presidents must know when the time is right to introduce new policies or make key decisions.

6. Leadership Qualities and Skills
Successful presidents must:
be flexible and open to new ideas
be able to compromise
have political courage

7. Duties of the President
Constitutional Duties of the President:
- make sure the national laws are fully executed;
- serve as commander in chief of the armed forces;
- appoint top officials, federal judges, and ambassadors;
- meet with heads of foreign governments.

8. President’s Term and Salary
The 22nd Amendment limits to two terms. Before this, George Washington set a precedent of two presidential terms. FDR was the only president elected to more than 2 terms – he was elected 4 times.
Congress determines the president’s salary ($400,000 beginning in 2001);
Benefits are provided for presidents while in office and in retirement.

9. Compensation Salary $400,000(2001) $50,000 for expenses
$100,000 for travel
White House 132 rooms and office
Camp David Resort
Medical & Dental Care
Secret service protection-life
Pension
Transportation

10. Presidential Succession
The 25th Amendment established the order of succession to the presidency:
vice president
Speaker of the House
president pro tempore of the Senate
secretary of state
other cabinet members
The 25th Amendment also set forth rules to be followed if a president becomes disabled and spelled out what happens when the vice presidency is vacant.

11. RICHARD NIXON & 25th Nixon elected 1968 & 1972
1ST V. P. Spiro Agnew resigned because of income tax evasion
Nixon appointed Gerald Ford VP
Nixon Resigned because of Watergate scandal
Ford is President
Ford appoints Nelson Rockefeller VP

12. Presidential Succession
Two conditions under which a vice president becomes acting president:
If the President informs Congress of an inability to perform duties of office.
If Vice-President and a majority of the Cabinet (or another body) authorized by law informs Congress that the President is disabled.

13. Presidential Succession

14. The Vice President Joe Biden 47th Vice President of the United States
Former Senator for Delaware
Democrat

15. The Vice President’s Role
Two duties:
Presides over the Senate and votes in case of a tie
Helps decide if the President is disabled
Work load depends on the duties assigned by the President

16. All the living Presidents