Chapter 12: Presidents Flashcards
What are the qualifications for being president?
35 years old
natural born US citizen
live in US for 14 years
What amendments have to do with presidents?
12-President and VP elected together
20-term begins Jan. 20
22-term limits, two four year terms
25-order of succession and disability
Who are the first four in the order of succession and disability?
President, VP, Speaker of the House, and then Pro Tempore
Which article in the constitution deals with the executive branch?
Article II
How is a president impeached?
- they have to commit a crime such as treason, bribery, and other high crimes and misdemeanors
- House indicts the president (majority vote)
- Senate holds the trial (2/3 vote)
- Chief justice presides
What are the responsibilities of the president as Head of State?
- symbol of the US
- no business
- ceremonial functions
What are the responsibilities of the president as Chief Executive?
- hire and fire personal staff
- appointments of cabinet, confirmed by senate
- executive privilege (privy to information)
- executive order (order without consent of Congress)
- pardons
What are the responsibilities of the president as Commander in Chief?
- allowed to send troops, but not declare war
- War powers act
- National Guard
What is the role of the First Lady?
Takes on a project, but has no authority to do so
What organizations are involved in the executive office?
- National Security Council
- Council of Economic
- Office of Management and Budget
What does the National Security Council do?
- foreign and military affairs
- consists of the President, VP, secretary of state, and secretary of defense
What does the Council of Economic do?
They are advisors of economic policy
What are the responsibilities of the president as chief legislator?
- pass legislation
- veto power
How doe Congress override a veto?
With a 2/3 vote in the House and Senate
What is a pocket veto?
When Congress adjourns and the President does nothing after 10 days
What is the third kind of veto?
When Congress doesn’t adjourn and the President doesn’t do anything after 10 days. The bill becomes a law
What is the president’s job as Chief Diplomat?
- foreign relations
- executive agreement (agreement with another world leader, bypass Congress)
What does the “Public President” do?
Gets public support (go public and gather opinions, push legislation when you have support)
What are the duties of the VP?
- preside over the Senate
- take over if something happens to the president
Why can the President only count on Congressional members of their party 2/3 of the time?
- Blue Dog Democrats are fiscally conservative
- Congressional members have a responsibility to their constituents
What are presidential coattails?
When voters cast their ballots for Congressional candidates of the President’s party
What is the deal with mid elections?
The majority party in Congress changes
What is the electoral mandate?
The perception that voter’s support the president’s policies
