The President SSCG 13 and Beyond The President

The President SSCG 13 and Beyond

The President of the United States Barack H. Obama II n 44 th President, elected in 2008 n Senator from Illinois n Democrat n

Presidential Qualifications The Constitution sets 3 requirements for the president: 1. a candidate must be a natural-born citizen 2. at least 35 years old 3. a resident of the United States for 14 years n Experience in government is an unwritten but important qualification. n

n What is a natural born citizen? Law of soil n Born on U. S. land n In one of the states n In one of the territories (Puerto Rico, Guam, U. S. Virgin Islands, Marshall Islands, Guam) n On a U. S. military base overseas n In a U. S. embassy n n Citizenship of parents does not matter Law of blood One parent is a citizen n Place of birth does not matter n

Leadership Qualities and Skills Presidents must understand the people. n Presidents must be able to communicate effectively and explain their policies clearly in order to inspire public support. n Presidents must know when the time is right to introduce new policies or make key decisions. n

Leadership Qualities and Skills n Successful n be presidents must: flexible and open to new ideas n be able to compromise n have political courage

Duties of the President n Constitutional Duties of the President: - make sure the national laws are fully executed; - serve as commander in chief of the armed forces; - appoint top officials, federal judges, and ambassadors; - meet with heads of foreign governments.

President’s Term and Salary n n n The 22 nd Amendment limits to two terms. Before this, George Washington set a precedent of two presidential terms. FDR was the only president elected to more than 2 terms – he was elected 4 times. Congress determines the president’s salary ($400, 000 beginning in 2001); Benefits are provided for presidents while in office and in retirement.

Compensation n n Salary $400, 000(2001) $50, 000 for expenses n n n $100, 000 for travel White House 132 rooms and office n n Camp David Resort Medical & Dental Care Secret service protection-life Pension Transportation

Presidential Succession n The 25 th Amendment established the order of succession to the presidency: vice president n Speaker of the House n president pro tempore of the Senate n secretary of state n other cabinet members n n The 25 th Amendment also set forth rules to be followed if a president becomes disabled and spelled out what happens when the vice presidency is vacant.

RICHARD NIXON & 25 th n n n Nixon elected 1968 & 1972 1 ST V. P. Spiro Agnew resigned because of income tax evasion Nixon appointed Gerald Ford VP Nixon Resigned because of Watergate scandal Ford is President Ford appoints Nelson Rockefeller VP

Presidential Succession n 1. 2. Two conditions under which a vice president becomes acting president: If the President informs Congress of an inability to perform duties of office. If Vice-President and a majority of the Cabinet (or another body) authorized by law informs Congress that the President is disabled.

Presidential Succession

The Vice President Joe Biden n 47 th Vice President of the United States n Former Senator for Delaware n Democrat n

The Vice President’s Role § 1. 2. § Two duties: Presides over the Senate and votes in case of a tie Helps decide if the President is disabled Work load depends on the duties assigned by the President

All the living Presidents