The Executive Branch

1
The Executive Branch

• The Presidency

2
Objectives

• Know the eligibility for office, length of term
  and the oath of office.
• Know how presidents are elected.
• Know the enumerated powers of the executive
  branch.
• Know how they are removed from office.

3
Qualifications
Formal
Informal

• 35 Years of Age
• Natural Born Citizen
• U.S. Resident for at least 14 years.
• 4 Year Term
• Limited to 2 terms

• Honesty/Integrity
• Leadership Ability
• Understanding of foreign and domestic policy

4
The Vice-Presidency

• Qualifications
• Same as for the President
• Duties
• Assume the Presidency when needed
• Ceremonial President of the Senate
• Can only cast a vote to break a tie

5
Oath of Office

• I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will
  faithfully execute the office of President of the
  United States, and will to the best of my
  ability, preserve, protect, and defend the
  Constitution of the United States.
• Article II, Section 1

6
Presidential Selection

• The extent of the country makes it impossible
  that the people can have the requisite capacity
  to judge of the respective pretensions of the
  Candidates.
• George Mason, Representative of Virginia

7
Presidential Selection

• Electoral College
• 1 elector per representative per state
• Method of appointment defined by state
  legislatures
• Originally chosen by state legislatures
• Now by popular vote

Example California Senators 2 House
52 Total Reps 54 54 Electors
8
Presidential Roles

• Head of State
• Appoint officials with consent of the senate
• Represent the U.S. in all ceremonial functions
• Grant pardons and reprieves
• Chief Executive
• Ensure that laws are faithfully executed
• Grant approval of laws
• Chief Administrator
• Administer the government

9
Presidential Roles (continued)

• Chief Diplomat
• Make treaties with consent of 2/3 of senate
• Create and pursue foreign policy
• Chief Legislator
• Make policy recommendations to Congress
• Set legislative agendas
• Convene both or either houses of Congress
• Commander in Chief
• Commands Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and
  Coast Guard
• Call forth and command the states militias in
  times of national crisis

10
Additional Roles

• Chief Citizen
• Represent the public interest
• Serve as a role model
• Provide moral leadership using the Bully Pulpit
• Chief of Party
• Build consensus within party
• Set policy goals
• Support party candidates seeking election

11
Pay and Benefits

• Compensation
• 400,000 Salary
• 50,000 Expense Allowance
• Excellent Healthcare
• White House
• Air Force One
• Camp David

12
Removal from Office

• The President, Vice President and all civil
  Officers of the United States, shall be removed
  from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction
  of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and
  Misdemeanors.
• Article II, Section 4

President Accused of Crime.
Acquitted
No
Impeachment Trial in House of Representatives
Sufficient Evidence for Trial?
Trial in Senate
Yes
Removed from Office
13
Review

• What are the qualifications to be president?
• How are presidents elected?
• Name three powers granted to the President.
• For what reasons can the president be removed
  from office?