Presidency & Executive Branch

1. Presidency & Executive Branch President of the United States, head of the Executive Branch of the federal government, and the most important and powerful office in America and the world. Article II of the Constitution lists and describes the powers and duties of the President, which are to carry out and execute the nation’s federal laws. The President is elected every 4 years in our only national election, and is actually elected by theElectoral College, not the citizen’s actual vote. There are 3 requirements that must be met to become President: Must be a native-born United States citizen Must be at least 35 years old Must have lived in the United States for at least 14 years

2. Presidency & Executive Branch 4 common characteristics of most United States Presidents: 1. white male 2. Protestant religion 3. attended college 4. lawyer (27/44) President’s benefits include: salary of $400,000 per year (set by Congress) $50,000 per year in expenses, plus $100,000 per year travel expenses The White House, with a house staff of about 100, mountain retreat the best medical care, retirement, and personal protection for 14 years

3. Presidency & Executive Branch The President serves a 4 year term, and has a 2 term limit Congress set the 2-term limit in 1951 with the 22nd Amendment (FDR served 4 terms, only to do so) The Vice-President’s benefits include: salary of $208,100 per year and $10,000 per year for other expenses a free home (the Naval Observatory) in Washington, with a large staff health, retirement, and protection benefits similar to the President ( VP has no term limits)

4. Presidency & Executive Branch There is no limit to the number of terms a person can serve as Vice-President, though none has ever served more than 2 terms. 9 Vice-Presidents have taken over the Presidency following the deaths or resignations of a President. John Tyler was the first Vice-President to succeed a President who died, when in 1841 he replaced President William Henry Harrison upon his death.

5. Presidency & Executive Branch 1947 - Congress passed the Presidential Succession Act, setting the legal order of succession to replace a President. (Study and know the Presidential Succession Chart on page 211)

6. Presidency & Executive Branch 25th Amendment When a President dies, resigns, or is unable to serve, Vice-President legally becomes the President, acquiring all powers of the office The “new” President picks a new Vice-President who must be approved by Congress The Vice-President can become “acting President” for a short period of time in an emergency, such as the President has surgery, and is under anesthesia. (This has occurred)

7. Presidency & Executive Branch Presidents Responsibilities/Powers Executive Orders- rules or commands issued by the president, which have the force and power of a law. (rarely used, only in time of crisis normally) Executive Agreement- an agreement between the President and the leader of another country. It has the same power and force as a treaty, but does not require Senate approval. “State of the union” address, or speech once a year. This televised speech, usually given in February, in a joint session of Congress, describes the status of the nation, and indicates the President’s goals for the country.

8. Presidency & Executive Branch Submit a budget for the U. S. government, explaining where money will be spent, and where it will come from. Congress, which must approve the budget, does not have to accept the President’s plans, and usually makes many changes to the budget. Special Session of Congress, calling all members of Congress together to discuss some urgent matter.

9. Presidency & Executive Branch Pardon- the President can issue a pardon, or forgiveness to a person, who has been convicted of a crime. (Person is free from any punishment) Reprieve- the President can issue a reprieve, which is an order to delay a punishment until a higher court can rule on a case. Amnesty- similar to a pardon, but issued to a large number of people who have broken a federal law. President Gerald Ford pardoned former President Richard Nixon of any wrong doings associated with the Watergate Scandal.

10. Presidency & Executive Branch President’s Administration - a small group of people in the level just below the President. Administration is part of the EOP, or the Executive Office of the President: The White House Office- consists of the people closest to the president, who advise him, and meet with him personally each day. Chief of Staff- the most powerful official in the White House Office, and also the most trusted and closest individual to the President. Press Secretary, another official in the White House Office. He meets with reporters each day, and is the most visible member of the White House Office.

11. The Presidency • 4. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB)- this office is responsible for gathering information about the United States economy to help the President prepare the United States budget, which the President must send to Congress each year. (Headed by Budget Director) • 5. The National Security Council (NSC)- is responsible for advising and informing the President on issues affecting the safety and security of the United States and its interests around the world.

12. The Presidency • NSC includes the Secretary of State, the NSC Director, the Secretary of Defense, the Chief of Staff, the CIA Director, the FBI Director, military advisers, foreign policy advisers, and others. • NSC oversees the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) • CIA is responsible for gathering information on foreign countries, their governments and their military, using spies, satellites, and other techniques.

13. Executive Office of the President 11 other offices within the Executive Office: • Office of National Drug Control Policy – address the drug problem in America • Council of Economic Advisers – domestic economic issues • Council on Environmental Quality – environmental issues such as pollution • Office of Science and Technology Policy – computers, Internet, NASA, etc • Office of Administration – assist EOP offices as needed • Office of the United States Trade Representative – establishes and advises foreign trade policy

14. Executive Office of the President 11 other offices within the Executive Office: 7. The Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board - gathering and analysis of intelligence and counter-intelligence activities. 8. Domestic Policy Council - advises the President on the domestic policy of the United States 9. National Economic Council- advises the President on U.S. and global economic policy issues. 10. President's Economic Recovery Advisory Board- established to help the President formulate and implement our economic recovery. 11. President's Intelligence Advisory Board and Intelligence Oversight Board- advises the president on the effectiveness of our intelligence community.