THE MODERN PRESIDENCY

Demographic Characteristics of U. S. Presidents

Male - 100%Caucasian - 97%Protestant - 97%British ancestry - 82%College education - 77%

• Politicians - 69%• Lawyers - 62%• Top 3% wealth & social class - • At least 50% Elected from large states

Job Description: POTUS

Constitutional Requirements • Must be 35 years old• Must have lived in the United States for 14

years• Must be a natural born citizen

Salary and Benefits

• $400,000 salary• $50,000/year expense account• $100,000/year travel expenses• A nice house (White House)• Secret Service protection (up to 10 years after

leaving office)• Country home (Camp David)• Personal airplane (Air Force One)• Staff of 400-500 full-time employees

Commander in Chief

• In charge of the military• Power to make war

(with the permission of Congress)

• Commander of militias• Commission all officers

President Truman reviewing Japanese American troops. July 15, 1946

Chief Executive

• Sees that laws are carried out• In charge of the federal government and all of

its departments• Grant pardons and reprieves for federal

offenses • Nominate all federal judges• Conducts the business of government• May grant amnesty

Head of State

• Represents the nation with foreign countries• Receives foreign diplomats• Symbol of our nation• Ceremonial duties (light the national

Christmas tree)

Chief Diplomat

• Establishes foreign policy.• Recognize foreign

governments • Negotiate and sign treaties

and alliances with other countries

• Appoint ambassadors, ministers, and consuls

• Make executive agreementsPresident Bill Clinton inspects Guard of Honor of cadets from the Royal Military College after arriving in Ottawa for his first official visit to Canada on Feb. 23, 1995.

Chief Legislator

• Approve or veto laws passes by Congress• Deliver the State of the Union address• Submit a budget to Congress

ECONOMIC PLANNER• Submit an annual economic report to Congress• Prepare the federal budget• Can control prices and wages in times of need

Political Party Leader

• Helps with the campaigns of party members• Raises money for the party• Patronage• Promote the party platform

Chief Legislator

• President has a great deal of influence in deciding which legislation will be passed.

• The President's veto power can influence which bills Congress passes.

• The President's popularity with the public may allow him to issue mandates, policies that the public supports, which might encourage Congress to pass his proposed bills.

President Kennedy signing the 1961 Amendments into law, June 30, 1961.