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Unit 5 – Executive Branch

Unit 5 – Executive Branch. “ Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” -Abraham Lincoln. Chapter 17. Authority Article II of the Constitution “the executive power shall be vested in the president of the United States of America

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Unit 5 – Executive Branch

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  1. Unit 5 – Executive Branch “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” -Abraham Lincoln

  2. Chapter 17 • Authority • Article II of the Constitution • “the executive power shall be vested in the president of the United States of America • Qualifications - formal • Natural born citizen • At least 35 years of age • Resident of the US for 14 years before taking office • Qualifications – Informal • Political experience • Acceptability – moderate, likable • Financially successful • College education • married

  3. Terms and Benefits • 22nd Amendment • 2 terms or 10 years • Not term limits until then • Compensation • $400,000 per year • $50,000 expense account • Benefits • Live in White House, travel on Airforce One, vacation at Camp David, Secret Service protection, huge staff

  4. 25th Amendment • States that the office of the president will be taken over by the VP in case of death or disability • Creates an order of presidential succession • VP, Speaker of the House, President Pro Tem, Secretary of State • Steps to choosing a new Vice-President • Steps to deciding disability Lyndon Johnson takes the presidential oath of office after the assassination of JFK

  5. The Cabinet • Not in the Constitution – inherent power • Started with George Washington • 15 heads of executive departments (chapter 19) • Appointed by the President and approved by the Senate (checking power) • Often appointed based on politics • Women, race, different geographic areas, • Most do not have day-to-day contact with the President • State, Justice, Defense, Treasury • Role depends on the President – lesser role than in the beginning

  6. Executive Departments State—handles foreign policy matters; Treasury—manages tax collection, currency production, governmental borrowing, the national debt; Defense—oversees the U.S. military; Justice—responsible for law enforcement and prosecution. Interior—handles issues relating to the use and conservation of public lands; Agriculture—handles issues relating to farms and ranches, and production and sales of food; Commerce—focuses on trade issues surrounding U.S.; issues patents and trademarks; conducts U.S. census; Labor—handles issues dealing with labor unions, wages, and working conditions. Health and Human Services—public health care, disease prevention and control, and prescription drugs; Housing and Urban Development—enforces fair housing laws, oversees public housing and home-financing programs; Transportation—transportation used in the U.S.; Energy—manages a variety of programs relating to different forms of energy production. Education—administers federal aid to schools; researches education-related issues Veterans Affairs—manages programs and other forms of aid for U.S. military veterans; Homeland Security—U.S. border/public domain security; emergency preparedness and response.

  7. The Executive Office of the President (EOP) • Top advisors and assistants who help the president carry out major duties • Started by Franklin Roosevelt for the New Deal • Do not have to be approved by the Senate (except for a few positions) – do not have to be politically correct • Generally trusted people who work closely with the president Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel

  8. Administrative Units in the EOP • White House Office – Chief of Staff, Press Secretary • Handles public relations, analyzes problems and suggests solutions • National Security Council – Pres, VP, Sec of State, Sec of Defense, National Security Advisor, Director of the CIA, Chairperson of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Director of the FBI • Assistance and advice for matters on military, foreign affairs, national security • Office of Management and Budget • Creates the annual budget to be proposed to Congress Press Secretary Robert Gibbs CIA director Leon Panetta

  9. President at WorkChapter 18 • Constitutional Powers – page 477 • vague “executive power” • listed in Article II sections 2 and 3 • Inherent Powers • Decisive actions taken by strong presidents that have been inherited by every other president (sets precedents) • Greatest growth in president’s power • Washington – fired officials, negotiated with foreign countries, submitted legislation, cabinet • FDR – president is actively involved in economic affairs

  10. Specific Presidential Powers • Military Powers – Commander in Chief • US has had over 200 military actions but Congress has declared war 5 times • War Powers Resolution of 1973 • President can send troops anywhere for up to two days before notifying Congress • Troops can stay for 60 days without congressional approval • After congressional approval, the president decides when to withdraw the troops • Executive Orders • Orders by the president to carry out policies describe in congressional laws • Have the same force as law • Power of the Pulpit • Using the media to speak directly to the people • Can be on TV whenever he wants • White House Press Corps are reporters who cover the president full time • Press Secretary gives briefings twice a day

  11. Presidential Roles • Chief of State – representative of the nation for different events - ceremonial • Phone calls to heroes, welcoming sports teams who won championships to the White House • Chief Executive – carry out and enforce laws • Appoint federal officials, prosecute criminals • Commander in Chief – top general of the armed forces • Dominates military affairs

  12. Presidential Roles continued • Chief Diplomat – directs foreign policy • Creates treaties and executive agreements • Chief Legislator – help shapes the nation’s policies • Proposes legislation, annual budget, veto, call special sessions of congress • Political Party Leader – strengthen party • Appoint party members to offices • Push the party platform • Help party members get elected

  13. Checks on Presidential Power • Congressional Checks • Override a veto with 2/3 vote in both chambers • Impeachment by House and removal from office by Senate • Senate approves appointments and treaties • Power of the purse • Judicial Checks • Declare acts of the president unconstitutional • Even though appointed by the president, judges are not bound to follow policies of the president • Political Checks • Media attention effect political opinion • Public opinion greatly effects the president’s ability to get congresses cooperation for the president’s agenda • Presidents must not stray from their own political party’s agenda

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