what does he/she do? the president. the president’s roles chief of state ceremonial head of the...
TRANSCRIPT
WHAT DOES HE/SHE DO?
The President
The President’s Roles
Chief of State Ceremonial head of the United States government Symbol of all people in the nation Both “reigns and rules”
Chief executive Very broad power “Most powerful office in the world” Still, has limits on what he/she can do
Chief of State
The President’s Roles
Chief administrator Head the executive branch Directs a ton of employees (over 2 million) Huge budget to administer
Chief diplomat “Architect” of foreign policy He/she dictates our interactions with other countries
Chief Administrator
The President's Roles
Commander in chief Related to chief diplomat The military is at his direct command Delegates much of his power
Chief legislator He/she guides public policy Initiates, suggests, requests, insists, demands laws Not always a pleasant experience
These six come directly from the Constitution
Commander in Chief
Chief Legislator
The President’s Roles
Chief of party Leader of the party that controls the White House Very important in politics
Chief citizen “Representative of all people” He must be a moral leader
These roles are difficult to balance and complete simultaneously
Formal Qualifications
Must be a natural born citizen of the United States Some discussion and debate about this
Be at least 35 years of age Youngest elected was JFK (43) Youngest in office was Teddy Roosevelt (42) Oldest elected was Reagan (69)
Must have lived in the United States for 14 years
Over 100 million people meet these requirements
JFK
Teddy Roosevelt
Ronald Reagan
The President’s Term
Term is four years long This was debated in the convention
Was no limit on terms until 1951 GW established the precedent early on FDR broke the precedent
The 22nd Amendment says only two terms is allowed You COULD serve up to 10 years
Some have called for repeal of 22nd Amendment Limits your second term effectiveness
President’s Pay and Benefits
Congress sets the pay for the President Cannot be raised or lowered during a term
Pay is set at $400,000 a year (effective in 2001) Also has a $50,000 expense account Both are taxed as income
All kinds of great benefits 132 room mansion 18 acre estate Offices and staff Limos, planes, helicopters, etc. Health care, travel, entertainment On and on and on
White House
Air Force 1
Marine 1