Unit 5 Executive Branch

Article II Outline The Presidency

Section 1 • Clause 1 – Term

1. President’s term is 4 years 2. 22nd Amendment limits it to two terms 3. Inauguration is January 20th @ noon – established by the 20th Amendment

Clause 2 • Electoral College • (explained in a minute)

Clause 3-Election of President & Vice President • 1. Winner of the Electoral college is

President, the one with the SECOND highest votes becomes Vice President

• (that’s how it used to be) ask John Adams when he ran against George Washington

• 2. Changed by the 12th Amendment in 1804 – voted on separately (ballot)

Clause 4 – Date of Election • General Election Day is …….

Clause 5 – Qualifications • 1. 35 years old • 2. Lived in the US for 14 years • 3. A NATURAL born citizen

Clause 6 – Vacancy 1. The powers of the Presidents shall

dissolve on the Vice President in case of death, disability, removal, or resignation 2. Presidential Succession Act of 1947

VP, S of H, PPT, SoS, SoT, SoD and other cabinet members in the order the cabinet position was created.

3. 25th amendment changes to the “Vice President shall become President”

Clause 7 – Compensation • 1. Salary of $400,000 – can not be

changed while in office + $50,000 expense budget

• 2. Use of White House, Air Force One, Marine One, and Camp David

Clause 8 – Oath of Office • “I do solemnly swear (or affirm)

that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”

Section II Clause 1 – Military and Civilian Powers • 1. President acts as Commander-in-

Chief has authority to deploy troops • 2. War Powers Act of 1973

a. Within 48 hours of sending troops President must report to Congress

b. Combat troops must be withdrawn within 60 days without Congressional Approval

c. Congress may end the combat commitment at any time with a Concurrent Resolution

• 3. May grant pardons, reprieves, or clemency (commute a sentence)

• 4. May veto legislation from Congress that they feel is unsatisfactory

Section II Clause 2 Treaties and Appointments • 1. President may make treaties with

other nations, but they require a 2/3 approval vote of the Senate

• 2. President may make an executive agreement with foreign nations, does NOT require Senate approval

• 3. President appoints Supreme Court Justices, Federal Judges, Cabinet members, and other heads of Executive Offices/Agencies

Clause 3 – President’s Powers and Duties • 1. Give the State of the Union

Address • 2. Prepare the Federal Budget • 3. Receive representatives from

foreign nations • 4. Ensure the execution of all laws

Clause 4 – Impeachment • 1. May be impeached for Treason,

Bribery or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors