The Presidency

Terms to Know…..

Acting President-is a person who temporarily fills the role of an organization's president, either when the real president is unavailable (for example ill or on vacation) or when the post is vacant (for example because of death, injury, resignation, or dismissal).

Amnesty-A group pardon to individuals for an offense against the government.

Appointment/removal power- The power of the President to “give” or “take” a persons job.

Bureaucrat-A person who works for one of the departments or agencies of the federal government.

Cabinet-An advisory group that helps the President make decisions and set governmental policy.

Civil Service System-The principal and practice of government employment on the basis of open, competitive examinations and merit.

Deregulation-To reduce the powers of regulatory agencies.

Electoral College-Group of electors that chooses the President and Vice-President.

Executive Agreement-an agreement, usually pertaining to administrative matters and less formal than an international treaty, made between chiefs of state without senatorial approval.

Executive Order-A rule issued by the President that has the force of law.

Executive Privilege-The presidents right to refuse to testify before, or provide information to, Congress or, a court.

Government corporation- A business the Federal Government runs.

Hatch Act-regulating expenditures, contributions, and procedures in political campaigns.

Impoundment- The President’s refusal to spend money Congress has voted to fund a program.

Inauguration- Ceremony where the President is officially sworn in.

Item Veto- The power to reject a particular section or item in a piece of legislation without vetoing the entire law.

Pardon- Release from legal punishment.

Popular Vote- the vote for a U.S. presidential candidate made by the qualified voters, as opposed to that made by the electoral college.

Presidential Succession- The order in which officials fill the office of President in case of a vacancy.

Recognition- Any individual, family, or group can receive Presidential recognition for annual and lifelong commitment to volunteer service at home or abroad. The following are example.

President’s Volunteer Service Award Presidential Volunteer Service Award Bronze Level Presidential Volunteer Service Award Silver Level. Presidential Volunteer Service Award Gold Level.

President’s Call to Service Award Presidential Volunteer Service Award All Ages

4,000 hours or more of volunteer service

Reprieve- The postponement of a legal punishment.

Spoils System- The practice of victorious politicians rewarding their followers with government jobs.

State of the Union Message- an annual message to Congress in which the President reports on the state of the nation and outlines a legislative program: required by the Constitution (Article II, Section 3).

Treaty- A formal agreement between the governments of two or more nations.

War Powers-was a United States Congress joint resolution providing that the President can send U.S. armed forces into action abroad only by authorization of Congress or if the United States is already under attack or serious threat. 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.

The Presidential Amendments…

Amendment 12- The Electoral College consists of the popularly elected representatives (electors) who formally elect the President and Vice President of the United States. Since 1964, there have been 538 electors in each presidential election.[1] Article II, Section 1, Clause 2 of the Constitution specifies how many electors each state is entitled to have and that each state's legislature decides how its electors are to be chosen; U.S. territories are not represented in the Electoral College. The Electoral College is an example of an indirect election.

Rather than directly voting for the President and Vice President, United States citizens vote for electors. Electors are technically free to vote for anyone eligible to be President, but in practice pledge to vote for specific candidates[2] and voters cast ballots for favored presidential and vice presidential candidates by voting for correspondingly pledged electors.[3]

The Twelfth Amendment provides for each elector to cast one vote for President and one vote for Vice President. It also specifies how a President and Vice President are elected.

Lame Duck- an elected official who is approaching the end of his or her tenure, and especially an official whose successor has

already been elected. Amendment 20- Section 1. The terms of the President and Vice President shall end at noon on

the 20th day of January, and the terms of Senators and Representatives at noon on the 3d day of January, of the years in which such terms would have ended if this article had not been ratified; and the terms of their successors shall then begin. Section 2. The Congress shall assemble at least once in every year, and such meeting shall begin at noon on the 3d day of January, unless they shall by law appoint a different day.

Section 3. If, at the time fixed for the beginning of the term of the President, the President elect shall have died, the Vice President elect shall become President. If a President shall not have been chosen before the time fixed for the beginning of his term, or if the President elect shall have failed to qualify, then the Vice President elect shall act as President until a President shall have qualified; and the Congress may by law provide for the case wherein neither a President elect nor a Vice President elect shall have qualified, declaring who shall then act as President, or the manner in which one who is to act shall be selected, and such person shall act accordingly until a President or Vice President shall have qualified.

Section 4. The Congress may by law provide for the case of the death of any of the persons from whom the House of Representatives may choose a President whenever the right of choice shall have devolved upon them, and for the case of the death of any of the persons from whom the Senate may choose a Vice President whenever the right of choice shall have devolved upon them.

Section 5. Sections 1 and 2 shall take effect on the 15th day of October following the ratification of this article.

Section 6. This article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several States within seven years from the date of its submission.

Amendment 22- Limits the president to two terms.

Amendment 23- Representation of Washington, D.C. in the Electoral College. Given 3 Electors.

Amendment 25- In case of the removal of the President from office or of his death or resignation, the Vice President shall become President.

Whenever there is a vacancy in the office of the Vice President, the President shall nominate a Vice President who shall take office upon confirmation by a majority vote of both Houses of Congress.

Whenever the President transmits to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives his written declaration that he is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, and until he transmits to them a written declaration to the contrary, such powers and duties shall be discharged by the Vice President as Acting President.

Whenever the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall immediately assume the powers and duties of the office as Acting President.

Thereafter, when the President transmits to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives his written declaration that no inability exists, he shall resume the powers and duties of his office unless the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive department or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit within four days to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office. Thereupon Congress shall decide the issue, assembling within forty eight hours for that purpose if not in session. If the Congress, within twenty one days after receipt of the latter written declaration, or, if Congress is not in session, within twenty one days after Congress is required to assemble, determines by two thirds vote of both Houses that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall continue to discharge the same as Acting President; otherwise, the President shall resume the powers and duties of his office.

Presidential Qualifications…

-35 years old -4 year term (2 terms max.) -14 years in U.S. Natural Citizen -President is replaced by the Vice-

President

Salary/Benefits….

The President earns $400,000 a year. Along with a $50,000 annual expense

account, a $100,000 non-taxable travel account and $19,000 for entertainment.

The White House in Washington, D.C. serves as the official place of residence for the president; he is entitled to use its staff and facilities, including medical care, recreation, housekeeping, and security services. Naval Support Facility Thurmont, popularly known as Camp David, is a mountain based military camp in Frederick County, Maryland used as a country retreat and for high alert protection of the president and his guests. Blair House, located adjacent to the Old Executive Office Building at the White House Complex and Lafayette Park, is a complex of four connected townhouses exceeding 70,000 square feet of floor space which serves as the president's official guest house and as a secondary residence for the president if needed.

Camp David

Blair House

For ground travel, the president uses the presidential state car, which is an armored limousine built on a heavily modified Cadillac-

based chassis

One of two identical Boeing VC-25 aircraft, which are extensively modified versions of Boeing 747-200B airliners, serve as long distance travel for the president, and are referred to as Air Force One while the president is on board. The president also uses a United States Marine Corps helicopter, designated Marine One when the

president is aboard.

Air Force One

Marine One

Responsibilities of the Vice President…

Follows the President if he cannot serve. Salary: $230,700 and $10,000 Expense

Account. Breaks ties in the Senate. Mostly ceremonial. Attends meetings

and helps to gather support for the President and his agenda.

Some VP’s have been more involved than others.

Presidential ElectionsHistory…

Early on President and V.P ran on separate ballots…Most votes President and 2nd most is V.P

**No popular Vote! Problems that led to

change… 1796-Adams and

Jefferson from different parties. Did not like each other!

1800- Jefferson and Burr Tie (same # of votes) Goes to the House which was controlled by Federalist. After Debate Jefferson wins.

This leads to the 12th Amendment- Separate Ballots for President and V.P.

Electoral College Today…

Structure: 538 votes Candidate needs 270 to win.

Vote on The 1st Tuesday after the first Monday in November.

Problems and Suggested Reforms…

Winner-take-all system 3rd Party Candidates can mess up the

process…No real winner Election by the House may not meet with

popular sentiment We could choose Electors based on

Congressional Districts…Whichever candidate wins the most votes in each of your states Congressional District would win that District, Plus the 2 statewide Electoral Votes.

State Popular Vote Percentages- A Candidate would receive the same # of a States Electoral Votes as they get in % of the states Popular Vote. (60% of the Popular Vote get you get 60% of our 18 Electoral College Votes)

Direct Election- President Elected through popular vote…Would Undermine Federalism!

Presidential Leadership

Head of State Chief Executive Chief Legislator Economic Planner Chief Diplomat Commander in Chief Party Leader

Head of State

Ceremonial Duties…meet with foreign leaders at Dinners, Ribbon Cutting, Sports Teams, Those who accomplish major goals, etc…

Chief Executive

Enforces the laws. It is the Presidents job to ensure that laws that have been passed get carried out. Without him those who did not agree with Congress would simply do as they pleased.

Chief Legislator

Proposes Laws. While the President does not pass laws, he can propose laws to Congress. He has goals and he uses this power to help him to accomplish his Presidential Agenda.

Economic Planner

He writes the Federal Budget. He then presents this Budget proposal to the Congress. He can also indirectly effect the direction of the Economy with this power and the fact that he appoints the Federal Reserve Chairman.

Chief Diplomat

Directs Foreign Policy. Signs Treaties, sets up trade agreements, decides what foreign aide we will distribute, etc…

Commander in Chief

He runs the Armed Forces, CIA, FBI, and other government enforcement agencies.

Party Leader

Helps to set the path for his Political Party. As the President he is the “Face” of his party.

Presidential Powers…

These are the actions that the President is required to perform by law. Where as duties are simply “part of the job”.

Executive Orders

Are Rules that have the force of law behind them. http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/executive_orders.php

Examples: 900 - Executive Order 13518 - Employment of

Veterans in the Federal Government November 9, 2009

1027 - Executive Order 13527 - Establishing Federal Capability for the Timely Provision of Medical Countermeasures Following a Biological Attack December 30, 2009

Impoundment Stop the spending of $$$. Examples:

President Thomas Jefferson's first use of the power involved refusal to spend $50,000 in funds appropriated for the acquisition of gunboats for the United States Navy. He said in 1803 that "[t]he sum of fifty thousand dollars appropriated by Congress for providing gun boats remains unexpended. The favorable and peaceable turn of affairs on the Mississippi rendered an immediate execution of that law unnecessary.“ In keeping with his efforts to reduce the size of the debt, he left the funds for the ships unspent for over a year.

Reprieve, Pardon, Amnesty

Postpone, release, and Group Pardon of those convicted of crimes.

Federal Budget

Annual Report. Outline of Federal Spending for the coming year. Must be approved by Congress.

Foreign Policy Shares this power with Congress! The foreign policy of the United States is the policy by which the

United States interacts with foreign nations. The U.S. is highly influential in the world. The global reach of the United States is backed by a $14.3 trillion dollar economy, approximately a quarter of global GDP, and a defense budget of $711 billion, which accounts for approximately two-fifths of global military spending. The U.S. Secretary of State is the foreign minister and is the official charged with state-to-state diplomacy, although the president has ultimate authority over foreign policy.

The officially stated goals of the foreign policy of the United States, as mentioned in the Foreign Policy Agenda of the U.S. Department of State, are "to create a more secure, democratic, and prosperous world for the benefit of the American people and the international community." In addition, the United States House Committee on Foreign Affairs states as some of its jurisdictional goals: "export controls, including nonproliferation of nuclear technology and nuclear hardware; measures to foster commercial intercourse with foreign nations and to safeguard American business abroad; International commodity agreements; international education; and protection of American citizens abroad and expatriation." U.S. foreign policy has been the subject of much debate, praise and criticism both domestically and abroad.

Treaties and Executive Agreements

Are official agreements between the U.S. and foreign countries.

The only difference between the them is that a Treaty requires the Senate to approve it.

Recognition

Official acknowledgement by the President of an accomplishment.

Commander in Chief to the Military

Sits in with the Joint Chiefs of Staff and makes important military agreements. The President has the final say.

Presidential Support Groups The Executive Office: Help the

President perform his duties. Report directly to him. Started by Roosevelt because he felt Government was too big. Office of Management and Budget:

Largest Office. Helps to prepare the Budget.

Council of Economic Advisors: Know the Economy and how it functions.

National Security Council: Military and Foreign Policy Issues.

White House Office

History: Created to help with the running of the Presidential Duties.

Role: Secretarial Staff that helps with organization, keeps appointments, basic Secretarial Office Staff.

Offices

Chief of Staff: Head of the Staff. The Presidents closest advisor.

Press Secretary: Deals with the Press. White House Counsel: Lawyer for the

White House.

• The Presidential Cabinethttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxSvi6JCCfk

The tradition of the Cabinet dates back to the beginnings of the Presidency itself. Established in Article II, Section 2, of the Constitution, the Cabinet's role is to advise the President on any subject he may require relating to the duties of each member's respective office. Selection: Selected by the President; must

be approved by the Senate.

President Obama’s Cabinet:http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration

/cabinet

Cabinet Offices

The Cabinet includes the Vice President and the heads of 15 executive departments — the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Education, Energy, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Labor, State, Transportation, Treasury, and Veterans Affairs, as well as the Attorney General.

Vice President of the United StatesJoseph R. Biden

Department of StateSecretary John Kerryhttp://www.state.gov

Department of the TreasurySecretary Jack Lewhttp://www.treasury.gov

Department of DefenseSecretary Chuck Hagelhttp://www.defense.gov

Department of JusticeAttorney General Eric H. Holder, Jr.http://www.usdoj.gov

Department of the InteriorSecretary Sally Jewellhttp://www.doi.gov

Department of AgricultureSecretary Thomas J. Vilsackhttp://www.usda.gov Department of CommerceSecretary Penny Pritzkerhttp://www.commerce.gov

Department of LaborSecretary Thomas E. Perezhttp://www.dol.gov

Department of Health and Human ServicesSecretary Kathleen Sebeliushttp://www.hhs.gov 

 

Department of Housing and Urban DevelopmentSecretary Shaun L.S. Donovanhttp://www.hud.gov

Department of TransportationSecretary Anthony Foxxhttp://www.dot.gov Department of EnergySecretary Ernest Monizhttp://www.energy.gov Department of EducationSecretary Arne Duncanhttp://www.ed.gov Department of Veterans AffairsSecretary Eric K. Shinsekihttp://www.va.gov 

Department of Homeland SecuritySecretary Jeh Johnsonhttp://www.dhs.gov