1. United States Government
The Executive Branch
United States Government

2. I. The Executive Branch
Carries out the nation’s laws that Congress passes.
Consist of the president, vice-president, and various executive offices, departments, and agencies.

3. C. Requirements to be President
Natural born citizen
35 years old
Resident of the United States for 14 years

4. D. Presidential Election
Held every four years
President elected indirectly through the Electoral College

5. F. Electoral College
At first, the winner became the president and runner-up became the vice-president.
a. This was changed with the 12th Amendment in 1804.

6. 2. Electors now cast separate ballots for the President and Vice-President 3. To be elected, candidate must receive majority of electoral votes. (270 today) 4. If no candidate receives majority, President and Vice-President is chosen by the House of Representatives.

7. 5. Each state gets 1 elector per Senator and House representative
5. Each state gets 1 elector per Senator and House representative. (So each state has at least 3 electors, plus Washington D.C.) 6. Political parties select lists of electors
7. Americans actually choosing Electors from their state when they vote for president and vice-president. 8. Whichever party’s electors get the most votes wins

8. F. Presidential Campaign
1. Primary Elections

9. 2. Presidential nominee selects running mate. 3
2. Presidential nominee selects running mate. 3. Nationally televised debates 4. Campaigning across the country, with frequent visits to swing states. 5. Election day is in November. (2012)

10. G. Term of Office President serves a term of 4 years.
22nd Amendment (1951) limits the president to two 4-year terms.
Precedent set by George Washington
Franklin Delano Roosevelt served 3 full terms and died in his fourth, having served 12 years.

11. H. Powers of the President
Presides over the Executive Branch
Commander and Chief of the nation’s military
Make treaties with other nations
4. Appoints government officials, including Supreme Court justices. 5. Veto laws made by the U.S. Congress 6. Grant pardons to people convicted of federal laws.

12. I. The Cabinet
Made up of the executive department heads (secretaries) of 15 governmental departments
Serve as team of advisors to president on important issues.

13. a. Secretary of State – handles relations with foreign countries
b. Secretary of Defense – provides for the nation’s defense. In charge of the military.

14. c. Secretary of the Treasury – deals with the countries financial matters
d. Attorney General – handles the government’s legal affairs

15. J. Order of Presidential Succession
Vice-President is first to succeed to presidency if the president dies in office
Followed by:
Speaker of the House
President pro-tempore of the Senate.
3. Next, cabinet members are in the line of succession according to the date their offices were established.