Notes on POTUS & VP (Executive Branch - Article 2)

Executive Branch

  • The Executive Branch is outlined in Article 2 of the US Constitution.
  • It is one of the three branches of government.
  • Its main job is to execute/enforce the laws of the Nation.
  • The Executive Branch is the largest of the branches, with millions of employees.

President's Powers (Defined in Article 2)

  • Enforce Laws
  • Serve as commander in chief of the armed forces
  • Commission officers of the armed forces
  • Grant pardons
  • Convene Congress in special sessions
  • Receive/appoint ambassadors
  • Appoint judges, ambassadors, and officials (subject to Senate confirmation)
  • Make treaties (subject to Senate confirmation)
  • Remember the Senate must confirm Presidential appointments and treaties.

Qualifications for President

  • Three Requirements:
    1. 35 years or older
    2. Citizen since birth
    3. Resided in the US for the last 14 years
  • Other Characteristics:
    • Most presidents (e.g., Kennedy) have been Protestant.
    • Most have had college degrees.
    • Many have been lawyers.

Presidential Terms

  • Elected through the electoral college system.
    • Winner-take-all system: the winner of the popular vote in a state gets all of the state's electors.
  • Electoral College:
    • Each state is assigned a number of electors equal to its representation in Congress.
    • A majority of electoral votes is required to be elected (270); otherwise, the House chooses the President.
  • Serve 4-year terms.
  • Limited to serving two terms.
  • 22nd Amendment: limited to serving two 4-year terms.

Vice-President

  • Main role 1: Be ready to replace the President (POTUS).
  • Main role 2: Official head of the Senate.
    • Votes only to break a tie.
  • Is usually heavily involved in the policies pursued by the President.
  • Must meet the same qualifications as the President.
    • *Why? May become President if president dies/becomes disabled/removed

Presidential Succession

  • 25th Amendment
  • POTUS line of Succession, meaning who comes after the President
    • President
    • Vice-President
    • Speaker of the House
    • President Pro-Tempore
    • Secretary of State
    • Other 14 cabinet secretaries in the order their department was created (15 total)