The Executive Branch …

Article 2 of the Constitution

American Government

Robert Reich…“Unlike Britain and other democratic

monarchies, we ask our country’s leader to do two jobs simultaneously, to act both as the head of the government and as the symbol of the nation. It is a hard act. Governing involves tough compromises and gritty reality. Symbolism requires nobility and grandeur, We demand a street-smart wheeler dealer, but also want a king and royal family.”

The President’s Job DescriptionChief of State

– Ceremonial head of the gov’t– Symbol of the American people to the

entire world– Rules and Reigns unlike king or queen

who only reignsChief Executive

– Leads the entire Executive Branch– CEO of the gov’t– Foreign and Domestic Influence– Most powerful office in the world

Don’t forget about the checks and balances

Chief Administrator– Director of the Federal Gov’t– “Employer” of 2.7 million workers – In charge of spending $2 trillion

Commander in Chief– Director and in Immediate Control of

the Armed Forces ($400,000,000,000 / year)

Chief Legislator– “Architect” of public policy– Helps Congress set their agenda– Guides a lot of legislation

The President’s Job Description

The President’s Job DescriptionChief of Party

– Leader of the party that controls the Executive Branch at the time

Chief Citizen– Represents all citizens – should put

his (and SIGs) opinions to the sideChief Diplomat

– Spokesman to the world– Lots of influence abroad

Remember he (or she) has to carry out all of these jobs at the same time…

It’s a balancing act…Lyndon Johnson –

– Had difficulty with duties as commander in chief

– Vietnam effected his abilities to do other duties

Richard Nixon– Had difficulty with Chief of Party

(Watergate)– Had difficulty with Chief Citizen

(Watergate)

Formal QualificationsNatural Born Citizen

– Law of Blood / Law of SoilAt least 35 years oldLived in the USA for at least 14

years (at some point)

Pretty broad qualifications…about 100 million Americans qualify for this job…

its easier to be qualified to be PRESIDENT, than it is to be a

TEACHER in the State of Georgia!!

Presidential Trivia (Bonus Material)

Oldest President – 69

Youngest person to ever serve – 42

Youngest person ever elected – 43

Average Presidential Age –

Obama’s age when elected –

55

47

Presidential TermTerm Length – 4 yearsTerm Limits – 2 terms

–Not until 1951 was this the case–What President served more than

two terms?The most that any individual can

serve is 10 years–A portion of one term (unelected)

and then 2 – 4 year terms

What Amendment?

Point of Historical DebateAlternative Terms have been

discussed…–2 – 4 year terms–1 – 6 or 7 year term–Unlimited 4 year terms

What do you think is best?

Undemocratic? orProtection against executive tyranny?

It’s a high stress,24/7/365 Job, so what do you get?

Presidential Compensation

Presidential Compensation

Presidential Pay HistoryDate established Salary Salary in 2011

Dollars

September 24, 1789 $25,000 $566,000

March 3, 1873 $50,000 $865,000

March 4, 1909 $75,000 $1,714,000

January 19, 1949 $100,000 $875,000

January 20, 1969 $200,000 $1,135,000

January 20, 2001 $400,000 $471,000

Presidential CompensationWhite House to live in (132 room mansion)Staff of White House (cooks, SS, staff, etc)Medical CareBoeing 747 – Air Force 1USMC Helicopter – Marine 1Limo – Cadillac 1$400,000 / yr compensation$50,000 / yr expense account$100,000 / yr travel account$50,000 / yr entertainment account$191,000 / yr pension + staff & office, etc.

(SS for only 10 years)

Did you know…

the POTUS

has to pay for his own

groceries, dry

cleaning, even their toothpast

e…