Executive Branch

Objectives

• Learn the qualifications, duties, and responsibilities of the Executive Branch of government.

Article IIArticle II of the

Constitution states that “The Executive Power shall be vested in a President of

the United States of America.”

Qualifications

• A natural born citizen.• 35 years old.• A resident of the United States for 14 years.

Duties of PresidentThe President has many duties: Chief diplomat, commander in chief, chief of state, and legislative leader.

Chief DiplomatAs chief diplomat the president directs foreign policy, appoints

ambassadors, and negotiates treaties with other nations.

Commander in ChiefThe President commands all of the nations military forces. They

can go into action both at home and abroad. But there are limitations on lengths of deployment.

Chief of StateA symbolic role. The President represents our nation in greeting

foreign leaders and diplomats.

Legislative LeaderHe proposes to Congress legislation he wants to help carry out

his policies and programs.

Miller TiesSun Min, Miller Class of 1985.

Director of Admissions Bernard University, New York

City.

Presidential Ascendancy

In case of the death, resignation, or disability of the

president, the vice president will become the president.

Presidential Ascendancy

Speaker of the House

President Pro

Tempore of Senate

Presidential Ascendancy

• Cabinet positions in order of creation:• State• Treasury• Defense• Attorney General• Interior• Agriculture

CabinetThe heads or secretaries who lead various departments and help the president in running the day to day activities of the country.

Electing the PresidentPresidential elections are held on the first Tuesday following the first Monday in November during leap year. All members of the

House and one third of the Senate are also elected.

Electoral CollegeThe Electoral College is a group chosen by the states to elect the

President.

Distribution of MembersJust like representation in Congress. Each state has members

in the Electoral College equal to its representation in Congress. For example, The state of Washington has 10 members in the

House and 2 members in the Senate. Added together, Washington has 12 Electoral votes.

Election Day

Across America, people vote (popular vote). The candidate who receives the most popular votes wins that state’s electoral vote.

Counting Electoral VotesIn order to win the Presidency on election day a candidate must

win a majority, 270 or more Electoral votes.

What If?If no candidate wins 270 votes, then the House of Representatives

creates a ballot with the top three vote getters on it. The House has decided the election twice (1800 & 1824).