Chapter 6 Flashcards
Roles of the President
- Chief of State
- Chief Executive
- Chief Administrator
- Chief Diplomat
- Commander-in-Chief
- Chief Legislator
- Chief of Party
- Chief Citizen
Executive Branch Purpose
Carry out laws
What does it mean that the President is Chief of State?
He is the Ceremonial Head of Government
What does it mean that the President is Chief Executive?
He makes sure that laws are carried out
What does it mean that the President is Chief Administrator?
He is in charge of all of the governments civilian employees
What does it mean that the President is Chief Diplomat?
He is the architect of foreign policies
What does it mean that the President is Chief Legislator?
He shapes the overall agenda of Congress
What does it mean that the President is Chief of Party?
Head of his Party
What does it mean that the President is Chief Citizen?
He represents all of the people
Qualifications to become President:
- 35 years old
- Natural born citizen
- Lived in US for 14 years
Presidential term is how long
4 years
What does the 22nd Amendment say
President can serve two 4 year terms or for a total of 10 years
Benefits for being President:
- $400,000
2. White House- Everything is free
Presidential Succession Act
States who takes over if President dies
- VP
- Speaker of the House
- President Pro Tempore
- Secretary of State
What does the 25th Amendment say?
States:
A. That the VP would become President in case of
1. Death
2. Removal
3. Resignation
B. VP can become acting President if
1. President informs Congress in writing that he is unable to perform his duties
2. VP and a majority of the Cabinet inform Congress in writing that the President is unable to perform his duties
How do you elect a President
- Primary Elections
- National Convention
- General Election
- Electoral College
Purpose of a Primary election
To select delegates for the National Convention
Purpose of the National Convention
Choose the Presidential and Vice Presidential Candidates
Purpose of the General Election
To select electors
What is the purpose of the Electoral College
To select President and VP
What determines how many electors that each state has?
Population
How do you win in the electoral college
Have to win them majority
What happens if the electoral college fails to choose a President?
House of Representatives choose the president (Each state gets one vote)
What happens if the electoral college fails to elect a VP
The Senate chooses a VP
President’s Executive Powers
- Execute laws
- Ordinance power
- Appointing Powers: Must be approved by Senate
- Removal Power
What is an exception to the Removal Power?
The President can not remove Federal Judges
What is an example of an Ordinance Power?
Executive Order: A rule or directive that has the force of law
Presidents Diplomatic Powers
- Make treaties: Must be approved by the Senate
- Executive agreements
- Power of recognition
Executive agreements
A pact between the President and a foreign leader
Power of Recognition
President has the right to legally recognize an official government and nations
President’s Military Power
- Commander-in-chief
2. War Powers Resolution/Act of 1973
War Powers Act of 1973
President can only send troops in for 60 days, after that he must have Congress approval
Presidents Legislative Powers
- Recommend Legislation
- Veto Power
- Special Session of Congress
Where does the President recommend legislation?
In the:
- State of the Union Address
- Federal Budget
What can the President do when he gets a bill
- Sign
- It becomes law - Veto
- Its dead - Do nothing for 10 days when Congress is still in session, then bill becomes law
- Pocket Veto
Pocket Veto
If the President does nothing for 10 days Congress can adjourn (not in session) and the bill dies
Special Session of Congress
Congress can only deal with one issue
Presidents Judicial Powers
- Reprieve
- Pardon
- Commutation
- Amnesty
Reprieve
The post-ponement of the execution of a sentence
Pardon
Legal forgiveness for a crime
Commutation
To reduce the sentence or fine that is imposed by the court
Amnesty
A general pardon offered to a group of lawbreakers
Executive Office of the President
- White House Office
- National Security Council
- Office of Management and Budget
- Council of Economic Advisors
- Office of National Drug Control Policy
- Cabinet
What does the National Security Council do?
Advise the President on national security
What does the Office of Management and Budget do?
They create the Federal Budget
What does the Council of Economic Advisors do?
Watch for economic trends
What does the National Drug Control Policy do?
Decide how to stop drugs
Who are the Cabinet members?
They are Department Heads
Not professionals in their departments
