The Executive Branch

Lesson Objective: To understand the functions and responsibilities of the

executive branch

Essential Question:What powers are given to the President?

The Roots of the Presidency

• Framers of the constitution were wary of executive power– Why?

• Balance between being able to govern effectively and having abusive power– King George III was a bad example- Did not want a

Monarchy• Think, pair Share: What would happen if the

executive was too weak? Too strong?

Presidential Qualifications and Limits• Must be:

– 35 years old– 14 years a U.S. resident– A natural born citizen

• Term limits– Uncertain on what it should be

• Settled on four year terms, with possibility of reelection – George Washington took two terms- became norm for 150 years– FDR won four presidential elections– 22nd Amendment

• President limited to two terms or 10 years in office

• Impeachment- House drafts and votes on articles of impeachment– Senate tries the case – 2/3 of Senate must convict to remove from office– Andrew Johnson was closest to being removed- saved by 1 vote

• Nixon resigned before he could be impeached

Powers of the President• Constitutional Powers of the President – Short list of powers in constitution- too much

disagreement over the Executive Branch in the framing of the constitution

– People knew and trusted George Washington to make good decisions and set good precedents as President

• “The executive power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America”– Elastic clause – implied powers of the presidency

The Appointment Power• President will make nearly 3,000 appointments during

his(or her) administration • Presidential appointments allow the president to

implement policies aligned with his vision for the country– What is the biggest check on this power?

• Most important are Cabinet members and federal judges- especially Supreme Court– Most of the time appointments are confirmed

• Exception of the Clinton Administration- Republican Senate refused to even hold hearings on 140 nominees

• Cabinet picks normally “look like” and reflect demographics of the United States

Power…. Description….

 

• Power to make Treaties– 2/3 of Senate must ratify– Senate doesn’t always

ratify• League of Nations

– Executive orders can be used to sidestep this process- but are not binding to next administration

• Veto Power• Veto outright or Pocket veto • What’s the difference?

• Gives President power over law making process- How?

• Congress can override veto with 2/3 vote

• 2,500 bills vetoed- 100 overridden

• Commander-in-Chief• President is in command of

the army and Navy• Congress has some war

powers (to declare war)• Other attempts- ex. War

Powers Act• Normally ignored by Presidents

• Pardoning Power• Check on the judiciary• Removes all consequences of

the crime either before or after conviction

• Sometime Pardons are controversial• Nixon• Iran Contra pardons• Political supporters

Power…. Description….

 

 

Power…. Description….

 

 

The Vice President • Takes over if the President dies• “President of the Senate” and can vote to break ties• Has little other responsibility or power• Picked for a few reasons:– Meant to balance weaknesses of the Presidential Candidate – Geographical balance – Social and Cultural balance– Examples-

• Al Gore selected Joe Lieberman as running mate– Lieberman was more culturally conservative and helped distance Gore from

Clinton Scandals– George W. Bush selected Dick Cheney to make up for perceived flaws

» Bush was considered inexperienced, Cheney was more knowledgeable and had served in a variety of positions in the government before his selection

Joe Lieberman and Dick Cheney

The Cabinet• Not Addressed in the Constitution- generally the

heads of the major Government Agencies– Presidents can appoint who they see appropriate or

create new agencies• Congress has checks– Approves members – Controls budget – Passes laws for them to follow

• Cabinet positions have become less important as seize of Cabinets have grown in recent years

Presidential Persuasion and Approval

• “Bully Pulpit”– Presidents must persuade public and law makers to be

successful • Presidential popularity has become very important – Normally high in beginning- Honeymoon period– Tends to drop through a President’s term

• “Going Public”– Presidents try to influence public opinion instead of

going to Congress to pass legislation- public pressure helps the law pass

Quiz - Executive Branch • How old must a person be before running for

President?• Which president was elected to 4 terms which led

to the ratification of the 22nd Amendment?• How can the President get around the Senate that

does not ratify a treaty he wants ratified?• What is the Vice President’s primary role? • What is the term for the period of high

presidential approval ratings immediately following election?