U.S. Presidency: Powers, Agencies, and Constitutional Amendments

Primary duty of President

Enforce and carry out laws, lead the executive branch, and make sure government runs properly

President's Salary

$400,000 per year + benefits (housing, travel, security)

Federal Agencies

Organizations that help enforce laws and manage government tasks (ex: FBI, CIA, DHS)

Powers of the President

Commander in Chief of military, veto laws, appoint judges/officials, make treaties, grant pardons

CIA

Collects and analyzes intelligence about foreign countries to protect U.S. security

Homeland Security

Protects the U.S. from terrorism, cyber attacks, and natural disasters

Executive Agreements

Agreements with other countries that do NOT need Senate approval (faster than treaties)

Treaty Approval Process

President negotiates treaty → Senate must approve with a 2/3 vote → becomes law

FBI

Investigates federal crimes and handles domestic intelligence inside the U.S.

Secret Service

Protects the President and family + investigates financial crimes (like counterfeiting)

President as Party Leader (jobs)

Leads their political party, supports candidates, raises money, and sets party goals

Presidential Terms

Each term is 4 years; elections held every 4 years

Amendment that limits Presidential Terms

22nd Amendment (prevents presidents from staying too long in power)

Impeachment Trial Process

House votes to impeach (charge) → Senate holds trial → 2/3 vote removes President

22nd Amendment

Limits presidents to 2 terms (max 8 years)

23rd Amendment

Gives Washington, D.C. the right to vote in presidential elections (3 electoral votes)

25th Amendment

Explains what happens if the President can't serve (VP becomes President or acting President)

Executive Office of the President

A group of advisors and agencies that help the President make decisions and manage policy

Who has been impeached?

Andrew Johnson, Bill Clinton, Donald Trump (twice); none were removed from office