The Executive Branch

“The executive power shall be vested in a president of the United States of America.”(Article II, U.S. Constitution)

The President:obligated to “uphold” & “execute” the laws of the nation & Constitution

Requirements for The Presidency

• Must be at least 35 years of age• Must be a natural-born US citizen• Must have 14 years of residency in US(These standards were not accidental by Founders)

$$ Compensation for President:

*Term of office = four years ($400,000/year)

*Can serve for two full terms (maximum of 10 years)

*Earns pension based upon years of service

Main powers of The President

• Veto bills• Call special sessions of Congress• Serve as Commander-in-Chief• Receive leaders and heads of state• Make treaties

(needs Senate approval)• Issue pardons• Make appointments

(needs Senate approval)

Roles of The President

• Chief Executive

(executive orders)• Chief Diplomat (foreign policy)• Commander in Chief

(military head)• Legislative leader (propose bills)• Head of State

(symbol of the nation)• Economic leader (budget)• Party leader

(various tasks within party)

The importance of WashingtonEssentially “invented” the American POTUS

• Created the Executive Cabinet (advisors)• Established the two-term tradition• Established the tone of the office• Established many of the POTUS roles• Established how POTUS would act

The Founders created a relatively weak executive= Washington made it a stronger position

Washington warned U.S. to avoid “foreign entanglements”Also left no heirs (no children)

Who has been President?

• All but one have been white males• Most have graduated from college (11

didn’t)• Most have been Protestant• Most all have been married• Most all have had children• Many have had military experience• Most have been in Congress or

Governors• Most all are from small, rural areas

POTUSApproval Ratings

(by area)

Two views of President Obama

Assignment: Powers & Roles: The President

1. Explain the powers The President has according to the U.S. Constitution and which one you think is the most important and why.

2. Explain the roles The President fills, and which ones you think have the greatest impact on the American people and why.

3. Explain the five most important qualities you think any President should have, the three main qualifications to be President, and whether you think these need to be adjusted to our modern time period or not. You need to explain your reasoning for this question.