The President and the

Vice President

The Presidency is the most important office in the United States, possibly the world. Decisions that affect all Americans are made by one person with the advice of the cabinet.

The PresidentThree qualifications listed in the Constitution:

1.Must be a native born citizen2.Must be at least 35 years old3.Must have lived in the US for

14 years

Salary and BenefitsSalary set by Congress and can’t be changed during a President’s term $200,000 salary per year$50,000 for expensesUp to $100,000 per year for travelLive for free in the White HouseUse of Camp DavidFinest medical careSecurity (Secret Service)

Election and Terms of Office

Elections are held every 4 yearsTwo term limit (22nd Amendment ratified in 1951)

The Vice PresidentOnly other member of the Executive Branch listed in the ConstitutionQualifications are the same as the presidentTakes the place of the President if something happens to the PresidentServes as President of the SenateUsually take part in cabinet meetings Helps make important government decisions

Salary and Benefits

$175,400 per year salary$10,000 per year for expensesFree residenceMedical careSecurity (Secret Service)

Election and Terms of Office

Changed since the Constitution was written (12th Amendment)No limit on the number of terms that can be served, however, no one has ever served more than 2 terms

Presidential Succession

Presidential Succession Act passed in 1947 Vice PresidentSpeaker of the HousePresident Pro TemporeSecretary of State

25th Amendment (1967) says that if the President dies or leaves office the Vice President would assume the positionNew President would appoint a Vice President (with Congress’s approval)