Unit 3 Executive Branch Cont Presidential Succession the

Unit 3 Executive Branch Cont; Presidential Succession & the office of the Vice Presidency

25 th Amendment- Death & Disability o Ratified in 1967 o Amendment created a clear line of succession in case of the death, impeachment or resignation of the Pres. o “Vice President shall become President. ” o Additionally, the 25 th established procedures for replacing a VP (death, resignation, etc. ) - Pres. appoints new VP with confirmation by both House & Senate.

Line of Succession o o o 1. VP – Mike Pence 2. Speaker of the House – Paul Ryan 3. President Pro Tem of the Senate – Orrin Hatch 4. Sec. Of State – Rex Tillerson 5. Etc. (through Pres. Cabinet –Treasury, Defense, et al)

Disabled Presidents o 25 th Amendment also establishes procedures for dealing with a “disabled” President o 1. President writes the congress that he/she cannot fulfil duties. (Ex. Pres. Needs surgery, he will temporarily sign his powers away, giving them to the VP. ) o 2. VP & Cabinet inform the congress that the Pres. is disabled (Ex- Pres. Has a stroke is in a coma). o 3. President may resume if he/she recovers*, but VP can challenge his/her competency.

Vice Presidents- a heartbeat away from the Presidency!

VP - Two Official Duties o 1. President of the Senate - presides over U. S. Senate sessions (Article I). o 2. Help determine if the President is able to perform duties (25 th Amendment -Disabled Pres. )

Unofficial Duties o A VP’s power depends on the relationship they have with the President, so the Pres. may use them for: o o o Member of the Cabinet Advice on foreign & domestic policy. Help campaign & raise money for elections Stand in Chief of State (attends state funerals, etc. ) Liaison with members of Congress

Picking a Vice President o o o Presidential candidates only pick VP running mates to help them win the election!!!! VP Candidates might be from a certain region where the candidate is not strong (John Kerry/ John Edwards) or the VP candidate might have more political experience (Dick Cheney) The bottom line is to pick a VP candidate that will help - not hurt your chances of winning!