1. US Government Unit 4: The Presidency

2. THE Job… The president of the United States is generally considered to be the most important job in the world. – This is because of the power and influence the United States has on a global stage.

3. Qualifications… 1. A native-born American citizen 2. At least 35 years old 3. A resident of the United States for at least 14 years

4. The Presidency… Thus Far… Every president has been a white male, with the exception of President Obama. All but one (JFK) has been a Protestant Christian – at least by name. Most have been college educated. Many were lawyers. Most came from states with large populations.

5. The Election Process… Presidential elections take place every 4 years, always on even numbered years. The Constitution set up an indirect method of election called the Electoral College. – Individual voters technically do not vote for a candidate, rather they are selecting their states electors. – Electors are pledged to vote for the candidate chosen by the voters

6. The Election Process… The Electoral College cont. – Each state has as many electoral votes as they have members of Congress Thus, some states have more votes than others, and are more important to win by a candidate – Generally, the winning candidate receives all the electoral votes, even if they win by only a small majority – To win a candidate needs 270 of 538 vote to win the presidency – The president elect is sworn into office January 20 th of the year following the election.

7. Term of Office… Presidents serve 4 year terms – The 22 nd Amendment limits presidential terms to a total of 2 terms – George Washington, our first president, chose to serve only 2 terms All other presidents (except FRD) followed the example of Washington

8. The Vice President… The VP is elected with the president The qualifications are the same The vice president is the president of the Senate and votes in case of a tie The vice president assumes the office of the president if: – The president dies – Is removed from office – Becomes seriously ill – Resigns

9. Presidential Succession… The issue of succession was not stated in the Constitution The Presidential Succession Act of 1947 fixed it – 1. Vice President – 2. The Speaker of the House – 3. The President Pro Tempore – 4. The Secretary of State – 5. Other Cabinet Secretary positions (13) and the Attorney General Any of the above must meet the qualifications of being the president before becoming president

10. Constitutional Powers… The main job of the president is to carry out the laws passed by Congress The Constitution gives the president power to: – Veto – Call Congress into special session – Serve as commander in chief of the armed forces – Receive foreign officials – Make treaties – Appoint judges and top government officials, with Senate approval – And pardon convicted criminals

11. Major Role of the President… Chief Executive – The president is in charge of 14 cabinet departments and more than 3 million government workers – The president appoints the heads of cabinet departments and large agencies, with Senate approval

12. The President and Foreign Policy… There are 4 main goals of American foreign policy: – Protect national security – Promote international trade – Promote world peace – Promote democracy