The PresidencyThe Election Process

Qualifications

Compensation$400,000/ year (since 2001)

$50,000/ year expense account Is taxed on this amount too

Other benefits: White House

Oval Office & West Wing with staff “Air Force One Marine One Camp David, Thurmont, MD Healthcare, insurance, pension

Perks-Air Force One& white house

Constitutional Amendments- 22nd- Term limits, 24th-V.P. becomes president & 12th-Pres. & V.P. on same ticket

Many people & president’s have called for repeal of 22nd Amendment- Term Limits

Presidential Succession & 25 Amendment25th Amendment, 1967

Allows for VP to be “Acting President”

In case of death, resignation, or impeachment

Provides for change if Pres. is incapacitated

Examples in history

Role of Vice President changed over time…Officially – preside over Senate and wait…

For much of history, VP was ignored Considered “political suicide” to accept spot

Can help “balance the ticket” Handpicked by Presidential nominee Can strengthen ticket, balance geography

Today’s VPs are much more active & involved Biden, Cheney, Gore

VP vacancies – nominated by Pres. confirmed by both House & Senate – majority vote

VPs cannot be fired, but may also be impeached

Election Cycle for President & V.P.Primary & Caucus Elections- A primary election or electoral college is an election that narrows the field of candidates before an election for office.

Winners of the primaries for each party are announced at the National Conventions

Then the General Elections occurs between the Republican and Democratic candidates.

What is a & caucus?Caucuses are a series of meetings held across a state. At these meetings, party members discuss the candidates, and then openly vote for state delegates who represent the candidate they support.

Less common than primaries.

What is a primary election?A Primary

Election is a nominating election.

Winning the party’s nomination is the first step in the election process.

It narrows the field in a political party to one individual.

Primary Election Schedule

Republican Primary Election

Democratic Primary Election

Winners of Primary Election announced Conventions throughout the years… hyperlink

National Convention- 1920 Republican Convent.

1956- Democratic Convention- Harry Truman!

Republican Convention- 1968

1968 Democratic Convention- Riots in Chicago

Then a General Election…2012- The winners of the primary elections, then campaign to win the General Election.

How are the President and V.P. elected in a General Election?

Candidate that reaches 270 electoral votes wins!

2012 Electoral Vote

2012 Obama also won popular Vote!!! Not always!

Bush won the election, but not the popular vote?

2000 Election, Pres. Bush won electoral…

2000 Election, Gore won Popular vote, lost election!

Electoral CollegeIn each state, the popular vote is counted. The Winner of the Popular vote, takes ALL OF THE ELECTORAL VOTES FOR THAT STATE!

2008 ELECTION- OHIO VOTE BARACK OBAMA WON JUST 51 PERCENT OF THE POPULAR

VOTE IN OHIO AND WON ALL OF THE STATES 20 ELECTORAL VOTES

DESPITE THE FACT THAT SOME 2.5 MILLION OHIOANS VOTED FORE HIS REPUBLICAN OPPOENT, JOHN McCain!

Originally….

What is the role of the popular vote?