1. The Presidency

2. Presidential Roles
Chief of State- ceremonial head of government of the USA, a symbol
Chief Executive- vested with executive powers
Chief Administrator- director of huge executive branch of the government
Chief Diplomat- main architect of foreign policy and spokesperson to the world
Commander in Chief- commander of US armed forces

3. Presidential Roles
Chief legislator- principle author of public policies
Chief of party- leader of party that controls executive branch
Chief Citizen- representative of the people, expected to take the high road and champion public interest over private interest

4. Formal qualifications
A natural born citizen of the United State
35 years old- Teddy Roosevelt youngest at 42
14 years a resident within the United States- can be any 14 years in a persons life

5. Informal Qualifications
Its all about Electability
Political Experience
Triangle (must at least be two of the three)
White
Male
Protestant

6. The Presidential Term 4 year terms
Original constitution set no limit on terms
“no third tradition” set by Washington
FDR won 4 terms
22nd Amendment made two terms the max
Max 2 terms 8 years
No President may serve more than 10 years in the office

7. The Presidential Term
Truman, Eisenhower, and Regan argued for repeal of 22nd amendment
Undemocratic
Undercuts authority of two term president
Its backers say it safeguards against executive tyranny
Some have argued for one 6 year term so they don’t have to campaign

8. Pay and Benefits $400,000 a year effective Jan 20 2001
$50,000 a year expense allowance
Live in the White House, 132 room, 18.3 acre estate
Sizable suite of offices and large staff
Fleet of automobiles, air force one
Lots of fringe benefits

10. Presidential Succession
Presidential Disability
25th Amendment
Vice President becomes acting president if
The president informs congress in writing
The vice president and majority of cabinet inform congress in writing
President writes to congress when able again
If Vice and cabinet challenge congress must decide

11. Presidential Succession
Line of Succession
1. Vice President
2. Speaker of the House
3. President pro tempore of the Senate
4. Secretary of State
5. Secretary of Treasury
6. Secretary of Defense
7. Attorney General
8-18. rest of cabinet

13. Vice Presidency Two constitutional responsibilities
Preside of the Senate
To help decide the question of presidential disability
A “president in waiting”
Now a way to balance the Ticket
Election benefits
Vice Presidential vacancy covered by 25th Amendment
Approved by the senate