Ch. 14: Amendments altering the Structure and Functions of Govt (Presidency)

electoral college

the group that actually elects the President

12th amendment

changes the way the electoral college chooses the President and Vice-President

House of Representatives

picks the President (from top 3) if no one gets a majority of electoral votes

Article II

part of the Constitution that talks about the President

lame duck

a president who has lost reelction, is not running again or can't run again

20th amendment

moves the beginning of the President's term from March 4 to January 20

George Washington

established the two terms of four years tradition

Franklin Roosevelt

broke the two term tradition of George Washington

22nd amendment

limits the President to two full terms in office

23rd amendment

gives Washington D.C. 3 electors in the electoral college

25th amendment

describes what should be done if the President leaves office (death or resignation) or is disabled

Electoral college problem

President and Vice-President could be from different political parties

12th amendment

Each elector picks a President AND Vice-President so that they are from same political party

March 4

date when the President USED TO take office

We could move from March 4 to January 20

better transportation and communication

Why Washington did not run for a 3rd term?

worried he did not have long to live, didn't want to die in office

Two events that caused Roosevelt to run a 3rd time

World War II, Great Depression

Why Washington D.C got 3 electors?

3 is the number the smallest states get

25th amendment

The Vice-President BECOMES the President