{ the executive branch enforcing the law since 1789…
TRANSCRIPT
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The Executive Branch
Enforcing the Law since 1789…
1. Must be a NATIVE-BORN citizen
2. At least 35 years old
3. Resident of the USA for at least 14 years
Qualifications…
To be the President of the USA, you must be…
Presidential term is FOUR years Can only serve TWO terms George Washington / Tradition Franklin D. Roosevelt / Breaks
tradition 22nd Amendment / Term Limits
Term Limit
Most US presidents have been… White men Christians College graduates Military Experience
Mr. President???
This is beginning to change…• Barack Obama in 2008• Sarah Palin in 2012?• Hillary Clinton 2016???
At first, VP did not do much…
Today, it has become more important
1. Next in line to be President
2. Represent the US overseas
3. Support the President4. Sit in on important
meetings
The Vice-Presidency
“What Makes A Great President?”
-Do you think there is a set of qualities a great president must have?
-Does the “man make the times” or do “the times make the man”?-Why are certain presidents remembered and others forgotten?
Question
Based on what you know, what do you think the President does?
Discussion Question
The President…
Suggests new laws to Congress Gives the State of the Union
Address Sends a budget plan to Congress Speaks for or against certain bills VETO POWER
1. Legislative Leader
The President… The head of the armed forces Constantly meets with military
commanders Has the final say in how wars are fought
2. Commander in Chief
WAR POWERS ACTPresident can send US forces anywhere in the world where he believes US interests might be threatened.
60 days / must recall troops unless Congress approves
Foreign Policy: the government’s plan for interacting with the other countries of the world.
The President must balance relationships with foreign countries and national security
Known as Diplomacy Appoints diplomats / ambassadors Meets with other national leaders Promotes and Supports Treaties
(approved by Senate)
3. Foreign Policy Leader
The President has some “Judicial Powers”
Appointing Supreme Court Justices Power to grant REPRIEVES (postponing
a person’s sentence) and PARDONS (complete forgiveness of a crime)
Power of COMMUTATION: to reduce a person’s sentence
More Powers…
The President does not make decisions alone
The President is aided by many experts and advisers
Today, there are 15 Executive offices to help the President carry out his duties.
The President appoints the leaders of these 15 offices.
Approved by Senate These 15 people are known
as “the Cabinet”Executive Departments
Executive Departments
Department of State
Run by the “Secretary of State”
Conducts foreign relations Protects US citizens abroad Issues passports and visas
State, Treasury and Defense
Department of the Treasury
Prints, coins and issues money Collects taxes and pays bills Manages government funds
Department of Defense Maintains the US armed forces Conducts military studies Operates military bases and
academies
Department of Justice
Run by the Attorney General FBI works for this department Defends the US in the courts Investigates crimes against the
US
Justice, Interior and Agriculture
Department of the Interior
Controls public lands and maintains parks
Oversees US resources Department of
Agriculture Conducts studies to help farmers Help farmers raise and market crops Provides loans for farmland
purchases
Department of Commerce
Encourages US trade and business Publishes reports on business and
trade Promotes creation of small
businesses
Commerce, Labor and Health
Department of Labor Determines standards of labor Seeks to improve working
conditions Publishes employment information
Department of Health and Human Services
Directs public health services Ensures that food and medicines are safe
Department of Housing and Urban Development
Helps urban housing programs Works with cities to plan for future
housing Promotes neighborhood clean-ups
Housing, Transportation and Energy
Department of Energy Develops the US energy policy Promotes conservation of energy Regulates energy sources
Department of Transportation
Develops highways and roads Determines safety requirements
Department of Education
Advises public school systems Distributes funds to schools Sets education policy
Education, Veterans and Security
Department of Veteran Affairs
Oversees benefits given to veterans Pensions, Health Care and School
Loans
Department of Homeland Security
Defends the US against terrorism Protects US borders Governs cyberspace
How to become President…
Meet the Requirements!
Begins in January Application Choose your political
party Primary races decide
which candidate will represent that political party in the general election.
Step #1 – The Primaries
Begins summer of election year
Both parties host a National Convention Winner of primaries is
announced Speeches are given Party platform is written VP announced
Step #2 – National Conventions
August - November Candidates
campaign throughout the country
Give speeches Debate InterviewLeading up to the election
First Tuesday of November
National vote for President and Vice President
People choose electors, who choose the PresidentStep #3 - General
Election
Electors based on state population
Each elector gets one vote
Electors go to Washington and cast their vote for their presidential candidate
Newly elected President and VP are inaugurated in JanuaryStep #4 – Electoral College
“The Political Machine”