The President’s
Job
Chapter 7, Section 2
Article II
U.S. Constitution
executive Power
shall be vested in a
President of the United
States of America.”
“The
President’s Powers…
 Execute
(carry out) the laws passed
by Congress.
 Veto (reject) bills passed in Congress
 Serve as commander in chief of the
armed forces.
 Receive leaders and other officials of
foreign countries.
President’s Powers…
 Make
treaties with other countries.
–Senate must approve treaties.
 Appoint heads of executive agencies,
federal court judges, ambassadors,
and other top government officials.
–Senate must approve Presidential
appointments.
President’s Powers…
 Pardon
or reduce the penalties
against people convicted of federal
crimes.
Qualifications

At least 35 years old

Native-born citizen

Resident of US for at least 14 years
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The President’s
Major Roles
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Commander in Chief
President
has final
authority over all military
matters.
–
Checks and balances:


–
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Congress declares war
President can order troops into battle
War Powers Act 1973


The War Powers Resolution of 1973 is a federal law
intended to check the president's power to commit the United
States to an armed conflict without the consent of Congress. It
states that the President can send troops into action abroad
only by declaration of war, "statutory authorization," or in case
of "a national emergency created by attack upon the United
States, its territories or possessions, or its armed forces.“
(911?)
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. (why would president veto this?)
IS THIS ACT CONSTITUTIONAL? WHY OR
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WHY NOT??
Chief Diplomat
 Deals with foreign countries
 Appoints ambassadors
 Makes treaties (approved by
senate)
 Executive Agreements (not
approved by senate) – ex.
trade NAFTA
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
An executive agreement can only be negotiated and entered into through the
president's authority (1) in foreign policy, (2) as commander-in-chief of the armed
forces, or (3) from a prior act of Congress. For instance, it is as commander-in-chief
that the President negotiates and enters into status of forces agreements (SOFAs),
which govern the treatment and disposition of U.S. forces stationed in other nations.
An executive agreement, however, cannot go beyond the President's constitutional
powers.. The Case Act required the president to notify Congress within 60 days of
any executive agreements that are formed; that figure has since been changed to 20
days.
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Head of State
President
serves as
a representative or
symbol of the whole
nation
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Chief Executive


Carry out the nation’s laws
Issue executive orders
–

Regulation from president that has power of law
(desegregation of schools)
Appoints cabinet members, judges, and other
federal officials



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Senate must approve.
Issues pardons and grant amnesty (forgive)
Can issue reprieves and commutations
(suspend or reduce)
Party Leader
Supports
party members
in election campaigns
Helps unify the party and
give it direction
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Legislative Leader
 Introduce/
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Propose Laws
 Calls special sessions of
Congress to consider urgent
matters
 Approves or vetoes
legislation
Economic Leader
President
deals with
economic problems
(Unemployment, high
taxes, rising prices)
Plans the federal budget
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– Congress
must approve
Don’t forget these…
State
of the Union address
–report to congress and
the nation
Presidential Succession
–
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Who takes office of
president if he dies or must
th
leave (25 Amendment)
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Assignment: 321 Closure
3
2
1
things you learned about the executive branch
questions you still have about the executive branch
thing you would do immediately if you were president
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