The PresidentThe President’’s s JobJob

Chapter 7, Section 2Chapter 7, Section 2

Article IIArticle IIU.S. ConstitutionU.S. Constitution

““The executive Power The executive Power shall be vested in a shall be vested in a President of the President of the United States of United States of America.America.””

PresidentPresident’’s Powers…s Powers…

Execute (carry out) the laws Execute (carry out) the laws passed by Congress.passed by Congress.

Veto (reject) bills passed in Veto (reject) bills passed in CongressCongress

Serve as commander in chief of Serve as commander in chief of the armed forces.the armed forces.

Receive leaders and other Receive leaders and other officials of foreign countries.officials of foreign countries.

PresidentPresident’’s Powers…s Powers…

Make treaties with other Make treaties with other countries.countries.– Senate must approve treaties.Senate must approve treaties.

Appoint heads of executive Appoint heads of executive agencies, federal court judges, agencies, federal court judges, ambassadors, and other top ambassadors, and other top government officials.government officials.– Senate must approve Senate must approve

Presidential appointments.Presidential appointments.

PresidentPresident’’s Powers…s Powers…

Pardon or reduce the penalties Pardon or reduce the penalties against people convicted of against people convicted of federal crimes.federal crimes.

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Qualifications Qualifications

At least 35 years oldAt least 35 years old

Native-born citizen Native-born citizen

Resident of US for at least 14 years Resident of US for at least 14 years

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The President’s Major Roles

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Commander in Chief

President has final authority over all military matters.– Checks and balances:

Congress declares war President can order troops into battle

– War Powers Act 1973

The War Powers Resolution of 1973 is a federal law intended to check the president's power to commit the United States to an armed conflict without the consent of Congress. It states that the President can send troops into action abroad only by declaration of war, "statutory authorization," or in case of "a national emergency created by attack upon the United States, its territories or possessions, or its armed forces.“ (911?)

The War Powers Resolution requires the President to notify Congress within 48 hours of committing armed forces to military action and forbids armed forces from remaining for more than 60 days, with a further 30 day withdrawal period, without an authorization of the use of military force or a declaration of war. The resolution was passed by two-thirds of Congress, overriding a presidential veto. (why would president veto this?)

IS THIS ACT CONSTITUTIONAL? WHY OR WHY NOT??

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Chief DiplomatDeals with foreign countriesAppoints ambassadorsMakes treaties (approved by

senate)Executive Agreements (not

approved by senate) – ex. trade NAFTA

An executive agreement can only be negotiated and entered into through the president's authority (1) in foreign policy, (2) as commander-in-chief of the armed forces, or (3) from a prior act of Congress. For instance, it is as commander-in-chief that the President negotiates and enters into status of forces agreements (SOFAs), which govern the treatment and disposition of U.S. forces stationed in other nations. An executive agreement, however, cannot go beyond the President's constitutional powers.. The Case Act required the president to notify Congress within 60 days of any executive agreements that are formed; that figure has since been changed to 20 days.

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Head of StatePresident serves as a representative or symbol of the whole nation

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Chief Executive

Carry out the nation’s laws Issue executive orders

– Regulation from president that has power of law (desegregation of schools)

Appoints cabinet members, judges, and other federal officials

Senate must approve.

Issues pardons and grant amnesty (forgive) Can issue reprieves and commutations

(suspend or reduce)

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Party LeaderSupports party members

in election campaignsHelps unify the party and

give it direction

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Legislative LeaderIntroduce/ Propose LawsCalls special sessions of

Congress to consider urgent matters

Approves or vetoes legislation

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Economic LeaderPresident deals with

economic problems (Unemployment, high taxes, rising prices)

Plans the federal budget–Congress must approve

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Don’t forget these…State of the Union address

–report to congress and the nation

Presidential Succession – Who takes office of president if he dies or must leave (25th Amendment)

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Assignment: 321 Closure

3 things you learned about the executive branch

2 questions you still have about the executive branch

1thing you would do immediately if you were president