BECOMING THE PRESIDENT READ WHO CAN BECOME PRESIDENT

BECOMING THE PRESIDENT READ “WHO CAN BECOME PRESIDENT? ” AND COMPLETE TOP TWO SECTIONS OF YOUR GRAPHIC ORGANIZER

QUALIFICATIONS FUN FACT The president is paid $400, 000 per year. 1. Be a citizen of the United States from birth – naturalized citizens cannot serve as President. 2. Be at least 35 years of age 3. Be a resident of the United States for the last 14 years before taking office

LINE OF SUCCESSION What if the president cannot be the president? Who then who becomes President in his place? 1. Vice President 2. Speaker of the House 3. President pro tempore of the Senate

Head of State • As the Head of State, the President represents the United States, both in dealing with foreign nations and on ceremonial occasions, such as national holidays. WHAT DO I DO WITH THIS INFORMATION? Put each description of the president in your own words on your Becoming President sheet!

COMMANDER IN CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES The President is advised by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, but the President alone has final authority over U. S. military operations. President George W. Bush, for example, launched invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, while President Barrack Obama authorized the raid into Pakistan that captured and killed the terrorist Osama Bin Laden. The President also bears ultimate responsibility

Chief Executive The President holds “executive power” and is charged with the responsibility of carrying out the laws passed by Congress. The President is also the Chief Executive, in charge of the entire federal government.

CHIEF LEGISLATURE • The President acts as the nation’s Chief Legislator by recommending legislation in the State of the Union Address, by frequent communications with Congress, by the pressure the President places on members of Congress to support recommended legislation, and by the use of veto powers against legislation the President opposes.

CHIEF DIPLOMAT The President conducts American foreign policy in cooperation with Congress. The President’s personal interaction with world leaders, such as President Putin of Russia or Premier Li Kequiang of China, heightens the belief among Americans and foreigners that the President has the chief responsibility for handling American foreign policy and diplomacy.

CHIEF ECONOMIST • The President is responsible for managing the American Economy. He is expected to “to promote maximum employment, production and purchasing power”. • American voters look to the President for solutions when the economy is performing badly and unemployment is high. If the President fails to revive the economy, the President will often lose in the next election. Presidents Jimmy Carter and George H. W. Bush both failed to be reelected in part because of poor economic conditions at the end of their first term in office.

Chief of Security The President is responsible for the security of the United States. The President sits atop a vast intelligence network, which includes information from the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the FBI, the armed services, and the National Security Agency (NSA). He uses this information to keep

PARTY LEADER The President is the leader of one of the two major political parties. The President has been elected to the White House with the help of his party and continues to work closely with other party leaders and members to pass proposed legislation. The President may pressure fellow party members to vote with the party in Congress. In return, the President may speak in support of these members in reelection campaigns.

CAN THE PRESIDENT BE FIRED? • Well, no because he doesn’t have one single boss. WHO IS THE PRESIDENTS BOSS?

IMPEACH • The President can loose his job through the process of impeachment (voting out an official). • To Impeach a president you need: –Impeached/accused in House of Rep –Trial in the Senate: 2/3 majority of Senate needed for removal

SO HOW IS THE PRESIDENT CHOSEN? • Read “How the President is Chosen” • With a partner, create a flow chart and describe the 6 steps you must take to become president 1. Qualifications for President 2. The Nominating Process: Primary Elections 3. The Nominating Process: National Convention 4. Election Campaign 5. Election Day 6. Electoral College