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• Article II of the Constitution • created the Executive Branch (the presidency)• Main Job: carry out the nation’s laws

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• Roles of the President of the United States• Chief Legislator

• Encourages Congress to make certain laws• Chief Diplomat

• Makes critical foreign policy decisions • Commander-in-Chief

• Commands all of the U.S. military • Head of State

• Is the national symbol of the U.S. around the world • Head of Political Party

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• Qualifications:• At least 35-years-old• Resident of the U.S. for at least 14 years• Natural-Born citizen

• Term• 4 years• No more than two times

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• How Does the President Check the Other Branches? • Legislative

• Can veto (reject) legislation from Congress• Judicial

• Nominates judges on high federal courts

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• Salary and Benefits • $400,000 /yr, plus $50,000 expense account • Presidential retreat: Camp David

• Air Force One

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• Marine One (for short trips)

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• Secret Service: security for life

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• Presidential Succession • If the president dies or is incapacitated:

• V.P. …if the VP dies:• The Speaker of the House …if the Speaker dies:• President Pro Tempore of the Senate …if he/she dies:• Leading member of the president’s “cabinet” (heads of the 15 executive departments)

3.1(2) SUMMARY QUESTIONS

1. Congress is Made Up of 535 People. The Supreme Court is Made up of 9 People. The President is One Person. Does the Constitution Give Too Much Power to the Executive Branch (to one person)? Explain Your Answer.

2. The President Belongs to Party “A”. You Belong to Party “B”. Is It Your Duty to Support the President? Explain.

3. Should a President Be Able to Serve More Than Two Terms? Why or Why Not?

4. Why Do You Think Presidential Succession Is Important? Can’t We Just Hold Another Election?

5. One Qualification to be President Is You Must be a Natural-Born Citizen. Do You Agree With This? Explain Your Answer