Article II Outline
The Presidency

• Clause 1 – Term
1. President’s term is 4 years
2. 22 nd Amendment limits it to two terms
3. Inauguration is January 20 th @ noon – established by the 20 th
Amendment

• Electoral College
• (explained in a minute)

Clause 3-Election of
President & Vice President
• 1. Winner of the Electoral college is
President, the one with the SECOND highest votes becomes Vice
President
• (that’s how it used to be) ask John
Adams when he ran against George
Washington
• 2. Changed by the 12 th Amendment in 1804 – voted on separately (ballot)

• General Election Day is …….

• 1. 35 years old
• 2. Lived in the US for 14 years
• 3. A NATURAL born citizen

1.
The powers of the Presidents shall dissolve on the Vice President in case of death, disability, removal, or resignation
2.
Presidential Succession Act of
1947
VP, S of H, PPT, SoS, SoT, SoD and other cabinet members in the order the cabinet position was created.
3. 25 th amendment changes to the “Vice
President shall become President”

• 1. Salary of $400,000 – can not be changed while in office +
$50,000 expense budget
• 2. Use of White House, Air Force
One, Marine One, and Camp
David

• “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the
Office of President of the United
States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”

Section II
Clause 1 – Military and
Civilian Powers
• 1. President acts as Commanderin-Chief has authority to deploy troops
• 2. War Powers Act of 1973 a. Within 48 hours of sending troops President must report to Congress b. Combat troops must be withdrawn within 60 days without Congressional Approval c. Congress may end the combat commitment at any time with a Concurrent Resolution

• 3. May grant pardons, reprieves, or clemency (commute a sentence)
• 4. May veto legislation from
Congress that they feel is unsatisfactory

Section II Clause 2
Treaties and Appointments
• 1. President may make treaties with other nations, but they require a 2/3 approval vote of the Senate
• 2. President may make an executive agreement with foreign nations, does NOT require Senate approval
• 3. President appoints Supreme Court
Justices, Federal Judges, Cabinet members, and other heads of
Executive Offices/Agencies

• 1. Give the State of the Union
Address
• 2. Prepare the Federal Budget
• 3. Receive representatives from foreign nations
• 4. Ensure the execution of all laws

• 1. May be impeached for
Treason, Bribery or other high
Crimes and Misdemeanors