Chapter 7

American people

dictate the expectations for a president, want one that is powerful but not too powerful

formal requirements to serve as president

35+, US resident for 14 years, born in US or have a US citizen parent

informal requirements to serve as president

white males, protestant (except 2), political experience, well educated, middle-upper class, married (except 1)

president’s salary

$400,000/year before taxes + $100,000 expense account

presidential benefits

air force one; marine one; the beast; free medical, dental, and health care; white house; camp david vacation home

presidential retirement benefits

$200,000/year pension, free office space and mailing service, $96,000 for office help, spouse receives $20,000/year when president dies. speaking fees, writing memoirs, secret service protection for 10 years after leaving office

impeachment

investigated by the house, and if impeached, tried by Senate with chief justice presiding

3 impreached presidents

A. Johnson, B. Clinton, D. Trump

presidential powers

expand powers of office, develop new roles for office, powerful president was good through ‘60s but distrusted from ‘70s on

head of state

performs ceremonial functions as symbol of the nation

chief executive

enforces laws, court decisions treaties, prepare executive budget, and issue pardons

chief administrator

heads the federal bureaucracy and appoints government officials

chief diplomat

deals with other world leaders as director of us foreign policy

commander in chief

director of the nation’s armed forces

party leader

campaigning, fundraising, and directing policy as unofficial head of their political party

chief legislator

president’s role recommending legislation, proposing the federal budget, and informing Congress about the condition of the country

vice presidnet’s role

presides over Senate and votes in tie, executes assigned jobs given by president, participate in policy discussions, make speeches to defend president’s policies, and diplomatic activities

constituional powers

national security, legislative, administrative, judicial, checks and balances

informal powers

persuasive powers, precedent by previous administrations, access to media, public support, role in foreign affairs, position as head of large bureaucracy

washington

established authority, primacy of national gov, cabinet system of advisors, asserted a prominent role in conduct of foreign affairs, inherent powers through Constitution

imperial presidency

president should direct national agenda and act as symbol, Congress should defer to president in foreign policy, president can act more quickly and act as a single focal point

war powers resolution (1973) details

president alerts Congress within 48 hours of invasion; Congress has 60 days to debate, if no majority vote after 60 days, military forces must be withdrawn unless given an extension

war powers resolution (1973) impact

enhanced presidential powers, president is proactive and congress is reactive, emphasize short and decisive wars and political bias against long-term wars

war powers resolution (1973) seen as

legislative veto: slows Congress to nullify a presidential action, signal to ensure Congress is involved in military decisions

congressional budget reform act of 1974

set up budget calendar and established budget committees, established congressional budget office, outlawed impoundment requiring president to spend all appropriated money

12th amendment (1804)

changed president and vice president election processes so they are elected together

20th amendment (1933)

shorten time between elections and taking office, moved inauguration day from March 4th to Jan 20th

lame duck

elected official who is approaching the end of their term

22nd amendment (1947)

limited presidential term to 2 four year terms or no more than ten years

25th amendment (1967)

furthered and clarified line of success: President, VP, Speaker of House, Pres pro tempore of Senate, 15 cabinet secretaries

Federalist 70

claims slow-moving Congress will be best balanced by a quick and decisive lone executive, gov balance can only be achieved if each branch has enough autonomy to prevent tyranny over another, supports long enough pres term to promote gov stability, salary attracts capable and honest men to office, presidency enhanced beyond constituional powers

vice president

often chosen to balance the ticket

first lady

no official gov positions, but many get involved politically

cabinet

no official basis in constitution but implied, group of president advisors, composed of 14 secretaries and attorney general, represent their department

chief of staff

leads the staff of the executive office of the president and advises president on policy issues, assistants report to this position while cabinet secretaries and assistants report to president

national security council

provides info and policy recommendations on national security

council of economic advisors

3 member body who advise president on economic policy

office of management and budget

performs both budgetary and managerial functions, including preparing the presidents budget

executive privilege

allows president and other high executive branch officials to keep certain communications private unless relevant to alleged crimes or illegal, unethical, or poltiical activies being investigated by authorized congressional committee

formal checks on presidential power

court decisions, veto overrides, “advise and consent” with senate, impeachment, 22nd amendment

informal checks on presidential power

interest groups, tradition (senatorial courtesy), public opininon, elections, party leadership in Congress, agency rules