The Presidency

The President’s Roles Chief of State – ceremonial head of government, the

symbol of the nation’s people Chief Executive – given the power to execute all laws Chief Administrator – the director of the Federal

Government Chief Diplomat – nation’s chief spokesperson and

architect of foreign policy Commander in Chief – Leader of the nation’s armed

forces Chief Legislator – main architect of the nation’s public

policy Chief of Party – leader of his or her political party Chief Citizen – the representative of all the people

Formal Qualifications

Must be a natural-born citizen (born on U.S. soil)

Must be at least 35 years oldMust have lived in the U.S. for at least 14

years

The President’s Term

The 22nd Amendment to the Constitution states that no person may be elected President more than twice. Prior to this, there was no limit. FDR was elected

President four times.

The Constitution and Succession

The 25th Amendment to the Constitution states that if a President is removed from office, dies while in office, or resigns from office, the Vice President will become President

Presidential Succession Act of 1947 – fixed the order of succession after the VP. Speaker of the House, President pro tempore of

the Senate, Secretary of State, then the other 13 heads of the Cabinet departments in the order, in which they were created.

The Vice Presidency

The Vice President only has two formal duties according to the Constitution.

1. Preside over the Senate, and break ties.2. Help decide the question of presidential

disability

Electoral College

The group of electors chosen from each state and Washington D.C. to formally select the President and Vice President. The President is not directly elected by the

people, but rather by the states, with the opinion of the people.

12th Amendment – Changed the way the Vice President was selected. The President and Vice President now run

together, instead of giving the VP to the election’s runner-up

Presidential Power

Imperial presidency – term used to describe a President as an “emperor” who acts without consulting Congress or acts in secrecy to evade or deceive Congress. Negative criticism about the Presidents ability to take

as much power as he wants.

President’s Executive Powers

4 Major Powers of the PresidentPower to Execute the Law – the power to

enforce, administer, and carry out the lawOrdinance Power (executive orders) – the

power to issue directives, rules, or regulations that have the effect of law

Appointment Power – the power to select individuals who will help in the administration of government

Removal Power – the power to removal appointed officials from office

Diplomatic and Military Powers

Executive Agreement – a pact between the President and the head of a foreign state. Much like a treaty, but this does not have to be approved by the Senate.

The Power of Recognition When the President recognizes a country, he

recognizes that country’s legal existence, and the two countries will exchange diplomatic representatives.

Commander in Chief

As Commander in Chief, the President may send troops into battle without a declaration of war from Congress. According to the War Powers Act, the President must

notify Congress within 48 hours. Troops may stay in combat for no more than 60 days,

unless Congress approves continued action.

Legislative Powers

Recommending Legislation – using the “Bully Pulpit,” the President uses his influence to suggest areas in which Congress should focus

Veto Power – The President may veto bills he does not agree with

Can call Congress to special sessionMay adjourn Congress(Prorogue) when the

two houses cannot agree on a date to end the session.

Judicial Powers

Reprieve – the postponement of a sentence given by a court

Pardon – legal forgiveness of a crimeClemency – mercy of leniency granted to an

offender in federal crimes onlyCommutation – the power to reduce the

length of a sentence or fine for a crimeAmnesty – A blanket pardon offered to a

group of law violators.