The President of the United States
Presidential Trivia
Described in Article II of the U.S. Constitution, the President’s job as head of the executive branch is to “faithfully execute” (carry out) the laws passed by Congress.
Formal Requirements of the Presidency:
One must be a “natural born” citizen of the United States…
Must be at least 35 years old…
and must have been a resident of the U.S. for at least 14 years.
Informal Requirements of the Presidency:
Experience in political office…
Access to Money – from a personal fortune or interest groups
Appearance of moderate beliefs: cannot be too left…
…or right.
Personal Traits – few ‘skeletons’, good personality and appearance
Presidential Powers:
Commander in
Chief of the U.S. Armed Forces
Appoints federal judges, ambassadors, heads of federal agencies*
* With the advice and consent of the U.S. Senate
Makes treaties*, represents the United States to other countries
Can pardon or issue reprieves to people convicted of federal crimes…
Convenes Congress and may veto decisions
Delivers State of the Union address, creates the budget, oversees and directs the bureaucracy of the U.S. Government.
Presidential Term and Salary:
Limited to 2 terms by the 22nd Amendment ( each term = 4 years)
Receives $400,000 / year salary, plus benefits: the White House, transportation, medical care, pension and staff
Vice President:
Must meet the same qualifications as the President
Presides over the Senate, votes in the event of a tie
Handles other responsibilities delegated by the President:
Represents the U.S. Government and advises the President
Presidential Succession: Order established by the Presidential Succession Act of 1947 in case the President dies, resigns, or is removed from office:
1. Vice President |
2. Speaker of the House |
3. Senate president pro tempore |
4. Sec. of State |
5. Sec. of the Treasury |
6. Sec. of Defense |
7. Attorney General |
8. Sec. of the Interior |
9. Sec. of Agriculture…….. |
18. Sec. of Homeland Security |
25th Amendment allows….
The President to cede his power to the Vice President
The Vice President and a majority of the Cabinet to declare the President incapacitated
The President to resume his office if he wishes, unless challenged by his VP and Cabinet, in which case Congress decides
The President to appoint a new VP, who must be confirmed by a majority of both houses of Congress
The President to appoint a new VP, who must be confirmed by a majority of both houses of Congress
Any public official may be impeached, but only for “Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.”
The House of Representatives can vote to impeach the president with a simple majority. The Senate then acts as a court and tries the president.
The U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice presides over the impeachment process.
Removal of a president requires a 2/3 vote in the Senate.