January 10, 2012January 10, 2012•Come in and get organized for the day – write in your planner!

•Please have your List of Presidents and your Chapter 6 Outline out on your desk!

•Get ready to Boogie!

Woodrow the White House MouseWoodrow the White House Mouse

Today’s GoalToday’s Goal

Today, I will be able to identify the roles and powers of the United States President.

Chapter Six, Section TwoChapter Six, Section Two

““The Role of the President”The Role of the President”

Role of the President

The President is the most powerful public official in the United States.

His/her main task is to “execute” or carry out laws that are passed by Congress.

Presidential PowersThe Constitution lists certain powers that are set aside for

the President (expressed powers)

1. “Veto”, or reject, bills passed by Congress.2. Call Congress into special session.3. Serve as “commander-in-chief” of the armed forces.4. Receive foreign leaders or dignitaries. (With Senate Approval)

5. Make treaties with other nations (With Senate Approval)

6. Appoint heads of executive agencies (With senate approval)

7. Pardon, or reduce the penalties against people convicted of federal crimes.

8. Required to give ‘State of the Union’ Address to Congress

“State of the Union”

The “State of the Union” address is the President’s way of keeping the Congress informed about the nation and government.

This “informing” is required by the Constitution

Roles of the President

The President has several roles that they play as the leader of the United States.

Role #1: Chief Executive

This is the President’s most important job. As Chief Executive the President must carry out laws that are passed by Congress.

The President’s “Cabinet” was created to help the president with this task.

Role #1: Chief Executive

The President can issue an “executive order”, or a rule or command that has the force of law.

In 1948, President Truman issued this order to integrate the U.S. Armed Forces.

Role #1: Chief Executive

The President has the power to appoint justices to the U.S. Supreme Court (with Congressional approval).

Not all appointees are approved…

Role #1: Chief Executive

Finally, Presidents can issue or grant– “pardons” (or

declarations of forgiveness)

– “reprieves” (or orders to delay punishment until heard by a higher court

– “amnesty” (or a pardon toward a group of people)

Role #2 - Chief Diplomat/Foreign Policy Leader

The President directs the foreign policy of the United States.

This is done by negotiating treaties with leaders of other nations and securing relationships with other nations.

Role #3: Commander-in-Chief

The President is given complete control of the armed forces as “Commander-in-Chief”

However, as a part of “checks & balances” only Congress can declare war (this has only happened 5 times – the last official declaration of war was Dec. 7, 1941 (World War II)

Role #3: Commander-in-Chief

The President has the authority to send troops into action.

Since 1789, the presidents have sent troops into action over 150 times.

Role #3: Commander in ChiefRole #3: Commander in Chief

For example, during the conflicts in both Korea and Vietnam, the President got involved in these conflicts and sent troops into battle without a declaration of war from our Congress.

Role #3: Commander-in-Chief

After the Vietnam War, in 1973, Congress passed the “War Powers Resolution” which forced the President to notify Congress within 48 hours of sending troops into action.

The President can only send troops into action for 60 days unless an extension is approved by Congress or war is declared.

Checkpoint!

Which of the roles of the President discussed so far is his most important role?

Which of the roles of the President discussed so far allows the President to call troops into action?

What do we call the powers that are listed in the Constitution?

Role #4: Legislative Leader

Most bills that Congress considers each year come from the President or “Executive Branch”. The President cannot make laws, but he can encourage Congress to pass laws that he supports.

Role #4: Legislative Leader

Every President creates a “legislative program”, or a list of laws they want passed.

A special staff is created to work with Congress on these bills.

Role #4: Legislative Leader

The President represents the entire nation, while members of Congress represent their own constituents.

This causes conflicts from time to time…

Role #4: Legislative Leader

Time is a major issue as the President can only serve two terms, but members of Congress have no term limits.

Role #5: Head of State

The President is the “living symbol” of the United States.

Their role is to carry out the ceremonial functions for the American citizens.

Role #6: Economic Leader

Each President hopes to help the country’s economy prosper.

The most important way to do this is to have a sound plan for the federal budget.

Role #7: Party Leader

The president is also considered the leader of their political party.

They often help with party member’s elections:– Give speeches on behalf of

candidates– Raise money for elections– Get people in the spotlight at

big events

Goal Checkpoint!

What are the 7 Roles of the United States President and what do they mean?

Using our 0-4 Scale, how comfortable do you feel with your ability to discuss the roles/powers of the United States President?

Put Your Knowledge to the Test! To “show off” your new knowledge about the roles, powers and

qualifications of the President, you are going to complete your own Presidential Classified Want Ad!

A “want-ad” is typically found in the Classifieds section of the newspaper and looks like this:

Presidential Want Ad

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Presidential Want Ad Project Your Presidential Want Ad must answer the following key questions:

  What are the qualifications of the job? (Constitutional qualifications) What personal qualities should the applicant have? (pick 3) What are the salary and the benefits of this job? What prior experience should the applicant have? What extra qualities should this person have? Word Limit (No more than 50 words) Catch Phrase (Big and bold – will not count as part of 50 words) Picture (Related to your ad)

This project is worth 25 points and is due on January 15th!