PACKET 1

  • Introduction to the Executive Branch

    • The President of the United States is the Chief Executive of the national government.

    • Presidents must manage a variety of tasks that require effective leadership skills.

  • Presidential Decision-Making Example

    • On April 28, 1975, President Gerald Ford faced a critical evacuation decision during the Vietnam War.

    • Managed to rescue 6,500 personnel in a chaotic situation at the Saigon embassy, showcasing executive decision-making under pressure.

  • Qualifications for Presidency

    • Must be a native-born citizen, at least 35 years old, and a resident for at least 14 years.

    • The 22nd Amendment limits presidents to two elected terms.

  • State and Local Executive Leaders

    • State governors and mayors often have different requirements; for example, Florida requires governors to be 30 years old and registered voters for 7 years.

  • Background of Successful Candidates

    • Most presidents have backgrounds in business, law, or public service.

    • Approximately 75% of presidents have college degrees.

    • Notable exceptions include Abraham Lincoln, who had little formal education.

  • Diversity in Leadership

    • Barack Obama was the first African American president; Kamala Harris is the first female vice president.

    • Historical firsts include women governors, and LGBTQ representation in government.

  • Election Processes

    • Chief executives are usually elected directly by popular vote; some may require a majority to win.

    • In cases where no candidate achieves a majority, runoff elections are held.

  • Succession and Term Limits

    • The line of presidential succession starts with the Vice President.

    • If a president cannot fulfill their duties, a clear succession process is in place.

  • Impeachment and Recall

    • Impeachment begins in the House of Representatives and requires a two-thirds majority in the Senate to convict.

    • Presidents cannot typically be removed based on job performance; states have recall procedures for local leaders.

  • Powers of the Presidency

    • Formal powers include being the Commander in Chief and the ability to grant pardons.

    • The Constitution directs the president to ensure laws are faithfully executed.

  • Historical Precedents

    • George Washington established important precedents, such as serving only two terms and setting an image of dignified leadership.

    • Abraham Lincoln expanded presidential power significantly during the Civil War, emphasizing the preservation of the Union and use of military authority when necessary.

  • Agency Appointment: The process by which a president or other executive appoints individuals to lead governmental agencies, impacting policy implementation and administration.

  • Bureaucracy: A system of government in which most of the important decisions are made by state officials rather than by elected representatives, characterized by hierarchical organization and fixed rules.

  • Cabinet: A group of senior officials chosen by the president, typically heads of the executive departments, who advise the president on various issues and help execute governmental policies.

  • Executive Order: A directive issued by the president to manage the operations of the federal government. Executive orders have the force of law and are used to execute or enforce existing laws.

  • Governor: The elected executive head of a state, responsible for implementing state laws and overseeing the state executive branch.

  • Mayor: The elected head of a city, town, or municipality, responsible for administration and policy in local government.

  • Pardon: An act of forgiveness for a crime or offense, often granted by a president or governor, which can absolve the individual from the legal consequences of a conviction.

  • Veto: The power of a president or governor to reject a bill passed by the legislature, preventing it from becoming law. A veto can often be overridden by a legislative supermajority.