Unit 3: Executive Branch

What are the four plans to reform the Electoral College?

- District Plan. - Proportional Plan. - Direct Popular Election. - National Bonus Plan.

Why is the 25th Amendment important?

- Mental or physical disability: VP takes over presidential duties. VP informs Congress and then is immediately President of the United States. - President may write Congress that they are capable > Immediately resume duties. - VP and Cabinet may write a second letter > Congress has 60 days to decide if an inability exists.

What was the original purpose of the Electoral College?

- Stop a demagogue from becoming president. - Stop foreign interference in an election. - Prevent a poor administration of government.

How long may a President serve?

A President may serve 2 full terms or 10 years (4 years).

What is a treaty?

A formal agreement between countries.

What is the Electoral College?

A group of electors that formally choose the President and the Vice President.

What is an executive agreement?

An international agreement between nations (Usually trade-related)

What gives the President the power to use executive orders?

Article II

Chief of State

Ceremonial head of the United States government. Also holds office and exercises authority. Awards Congressional Medal of Honor.

What military powers does the President have?

Commander in Chief (everything but declaring war).

Chief Diplomat

Constructs foreign policy (treaties) and negotiate terms with NAFTA.

How are electors chosen?

Dependent on the state - each political party has different rules.

In this proposed reform of the Electoral College: - Abolish electoral college. - Voters directly vote for President.

Direct Popular Election

Which is most widely accepted as a possible solution?

Direct Popular Election

What are executive orders?

Directive issued by the President of the United States that manages operations of the federal government and has the force of law.

In this proposed reform of the Electoral College: - Mimic congressional elections. - Each congressional district votes for one elector. - Two overall state electors.

District Plan

Chief Executive

Enforces laws, appoints or removes, orders, agreements, and can appoint a Supreme Court Justice of the United States.

What power gives the President the ability to administer laws?

Executive

Chief of Party

Helps members of political party get elected and campaigns for them. Examples: - President Obama campaigning for Hillary Clinton.

What is the 25th Amendment?

If the president has a disability, then the vice president takes over if the president is disabled (Presidential Disability).

In this proposed reform of the Electoral College: - Winner of the popular vote automatically gets 102 electoral votes in addition to the other electoral votes.

National Bonus Plan

What happens at the national convention?

Nominate official canditate for the general election, delegate results are given.

What is Presidential Succession?

Order of succession if the President dies, resigns, or is removed.

What judicial powers does the President have?

Pardon or reprieve

Why did the framers not give the people the direct vote?

People were uneducated, worried about regional differences.

What is an incumbent?

Person who currently holds office.

What system did the framers set up for electing the President?

Popular vote > November, Electoral Vote > December

Guardian of the Economy

President DOES NOT control the economy. Expected to help it run smoothly through policy. Examples: - Meet with business leaders to discuss needs or problems.

Where do we get the current line of succession we use today?

President Line of Succession of 1948

In this proposed reform of the Electoral College: - Each candidate receives the same share of a state's electoral vote received in the state's popular vote.

Proportional Plan

How does the 12th amendment modify the Electoral College?

Separate the Presidential and VP vote in the Electoral College.

What's a primary? Purpose?

State elections where voters select a presidential preference, narrows the field of canditates and canditates begin collecting "delegates".

What address must the President give each year?

State of the Union

What is the 22nd Amendment?

Term limits for president.

Why is the 1800 election important?

The Election of 1800 was important because Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr tied at 76 votes and the House of Representatives decided. It also revealed the flaws in the Electoral College.

Who has the power to appoint official? What positions? Confirm?

The President has the power to appoint officials. The positions include federal judges, justices, ambassadors, head of agencies, and cabinet. The Senate must confirm these appointments.

How does the Electoral College work?

The electors cast one vote for the President and one for the Vice President (Vote on Monday after the second Wednesday in December, state capitals).

How many electors does each state receive?

The electors of each state are equal to the number of both representatives and senators.

Commander in Chief

The leader of the Armed Forces and all military generals take orders from the President. Can launch nuclear weapons attack. War Powers: Commit troops if US or US troops are attacked > Inform Congress within 48 hours > Congress has 30 days to authorize > No authorization, President has 60 days to pull troops out.

What legislative powers does the President have?

The legislative powers of the President include vetoing bills, calling special sessions, state of union, and recommending legislation.

What are the qualifications to be President?

The qualifications of being President of the United States include: - Natural Born Citizen. - Lived in the US for 14 years. - 35 years old.

What is the difference between the two?

Treaties need ratification and are permanent, executive agreements are temporary, can be renegotiated by Presidents and only need Senate confirmation.

True or False: If the VP leaves, the President can appoint a new VP, but Congress confirms 51%.

True

True or False: When it comes to the Electoral College, Nebraska and Maine vote based on congressional districts.

True

Chief Legislator

Urge Congress to pass new laws, initiate new bills, veto bills, and "bully pulpit". Examples: - State of the Union Address. - Inviting members of Congress to lunch at the White House. - Signing a bill. - Making a speech in Congress.

What is a balanced ticket?

VP appeals to different demographics or brings different strengths to the Presidential candidate.

What is the line of succession?

Vice president, Speaker of the House, President Pro Temp, Secretary of State, and Secretary of Treasury.