Government Chptr 10 and 11.1
James Buchanan - Presidential exceptions
#15 Notes: Was not married during his presidency (elected in 1960)
JFK - Presidential exceptions
#35 Book: John F. Kennedy, elected in 1960, was the first Roman Catholic president Notes: Family sold illegal drugs and alcohol
Barack Obama - Presidential exceptions
#44 2008; Democrat; first African American president of the US
What are the President's salary and other benefits? (10.2)
(NOTES) -Presidential salary salary=400,000 -Non taxable expense=50,000 -entertainment=120,000 -Air force one, marine one, limos=free -Medical, health, dental=free White -house(maids,cooks,butlers,plumbers,engineers,gardeners,florists)=rent free -Country House= Rent free 120 rooms Guest House = rent free -Fitness Center, Tennis courts, Swimming pool, horses, 51 seat movie theatre -Secret protection for life=free pension=205,700 (BOOK) Salary: - Determined by Congress - The president currently earns $400,000 per year. - The Executive Office of the President also provides a nontaxable travel allowance of up to $100,000 per year and a $50,000 expense account. - Congress cannot increase or decrease the salary during a president's term - Entertainment - 120,000 (NOTES) Benefits: - Air Force One, a specially equipped jet, as well as other planes, helicopters, and limousines, are made available to the president and top assistants. - Marine One and Limos are Free - Presidents receive free medical, dental, and health care. - They live in the White House where the White House domestic staff does the cooking, shopping, and cleaning. - The government pays to operate the White House and to hold official events, but the president's family must pay for their own food, dry-cleaning, personal parties, and other expenses—adding up to thousands of dollars every month . When Presidents retire: - they receive a lifetime pension that is equal to the pay for cabinet secretaries; the amount of a president's pension is currently $199,700 per year. - They also have free office space, - free mailing services, - lifetime Secret Service protection for themselves and their children, - and up to $96,000 per year for office help. When presidents die, their spouses are eligible for a pension of $20,000 per year.
What are the Vice President's salary and other benefits?
(NOTES) -salary=230,700 -Taxable expenses=10,000 -entertainment=0 -Air Force 2, Marine 2, limo = free -Medical, health, dental=free -Vice Presidential mansion= free -Secret Service protection for term in office only=free -Pension varies depending on year of employment
Presidents Leadership Skills (10.1)
*Understanding the Public - A president must know and understand the American people. The most successful presidents have a genuine feel for the hopes, fears, and moods of the nation. Understanding the people is necessary to gain and hold their support (When a president is popular, presidential proposals and policies are better received by Congress than when the public holds a president in low regard. Failure to understand the public mood can prove disastrous for a president) *Ability to Communicate - Successful presidents must be able to communicate effectively and to present their ideas in a way that inspires public support; Modern presidents often use a strategy of "going public" to appeal directly to voters *Sense of Timing - A successful president must know when the time is right to introduce a new policy, to make a key decision, or to delay such actions. Skillful presidents often use their assistants or cabinet secretaries to test the timing of new policy initiatives. (i.e. deliberately leak information; have a cabinet secretary or an aide make a statement about a policy under consideration) Public response to the issue may influence whether the president pursues, delays, or quietly drops a policy initiative. *Ability to Compromise - Good leadership requires the capacity to be flexible and open to new ideas. A successful president must also be able to compromise. The nature of politics is such that even the president must be willing to give up something to get something in return *Political Courage - Successful presidents need political courage because sometimes they must go against public opinion to do what they think is best. It takes courage to make decisions that will be unpopular.
Qualifications of a President and VP (informal requirements) (NOTES)
- Governmental experience - Politically moderate - Rich - WASP married male (STORY TIME) Exceptions:James Buchanan (Was not married), JFK (Family sold illegal drugs and alcohol), Geraldine ferraro (First woman to be nominated to run for president), Joe lieberman (First jew), Barack Obama (First black president), Donald Trump (First president with no governmental experience), Hilary Clinton (2nd female to run, won the popular vote), Kamala Harris, Elizibeth Warren, Bernie Sanders
Presidential succession (death, impeachment, resign) President or VP only
- If Prez died, impeached, resigned - VP succeeds President - If VP died, impeached, resigned - President nominates a VP and Congress confirms
Twenty-fifth Amendment (10.2)
1) Ratified in 1967 to clarify the succession to the presidency and the vice presidency - The amendment was first applied in 1973 when Spiro Agnew resigned as President Richard Nixon's vice president. —Twenty-fifth Amendment, 1967 "Section 1. In case of the removal of the President from office or of his death or resignation, the Vice President shall become President. Section 2. Whenever there is a vacancy in the office of the Vice President, the President shall nominate a Vice President who shall take office upon confirmation by a majority vote of both Houses of Congress." 2) describes what should be done when a president is disabled. --> It provides that the vice president becomes acting president under one of two conditions: if the president informs Congress of an inability to perform in office and, second, if the vice president and a majority of the cabinet or a body authorized by Congress inform the Congress of this condition. This second provision takes effect when the president is unwilling or unable to inform Congress of a disabling condition. 3) also spells out how a president can resume the powers and duties of the office. --> This can happen at any time the president informs Congress that a disability no longer exists.
What is the order of succession for the office of the President? (10.2)
1. Vice President 2. Speaker of the House of Representatives 3. President pro tempore of the Senate 4. Secretary of State 5. Secretary of the Treasury 6. Secretary of Defense 7. Attorney General 8. Secretary of the Interior 9. Secretary of Agriculture 10. Secretary of Commerce 11. Secretary of Labor 12. Secretary of Health and Human Services 13. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development 14. Secretary of Transportation 15. Secretary of Energy 16. Secretary of Education 17. Secretary of Veterans Affairs 18. Secretary of Homeland Security
Electoral College Compromise (1787)
A compromise of how to choose the Prez and VP The Founding Fathers debated for months on how to elect the president, with some arguing that Congress should pick the president and others insistent on a democratic popular vote...so they compromised and created the Electoral College Some wanted Congress to vote for President Advantages of having Congress vote for President: - Time - Expense - More knowledgeable Disadvantages of having congress vote for President: - Separation of Power - Whomever controlled Congress controlled the presidency Others wanted "we the people" to vote for president Advantages of having the people vote for president: - More consistent with our view of democracy Disadvantages of having we, the people, vote for president: - Fear that the common man knew too little about politics to make wise decisions - Fear that the most popular instead of the most qualified candidate would become president
Responsibilities of a Vice President (Modern) (10.2)
A vice president's work and power can be much greater than those mentioned in the Constitution. It all depends upon the duties the president assigns. Modern vice presidents have had: - greater access to the president, - participated frequently in policy meetings, - and undertaken urgent special assignments Vice presidents: - more involved in serious foreign policy efforts. - are members of the National Security Council and take part in its policy deliberations
Qualification of a President and VP (defined by the Constitution) (10.1)
Article II, Section 1, the Constitution defines the formal requirements for the presidency. The president must be a natural-born citizen of the United States, at least 35 years old, and a resident of the United States for at least 14 years before taking office. The same requirements apply to the vice president.
Voting for President and Vice President in the past (10.2)
At one time, the president and vice president were elected separately. They did not even have to be from the same political party, which was a source of tension in the White House. Now, vice presidents and presidents are typically allies loyal to the same priorities.
# of President Deaths and causes of death (10.2)
Eight presidents have died in office. - Four were assassinated, and - Four died of natural causes
What issues are raised by the Presidential election by the house? (10.3)
Election by the House raises three issues: - First, states with small populations, such as Alaska and Wyoming, have as much weight as populous states, such as New York and California. - Second, under the rules, if a majority of a state's representatives cannot agree on a candidate, the state loses its vote. - Third, if some House members favor a strong third-party candidate, it could be difficult for any candidate to get the 26 votes needed to win.
Executive Office of the President (EOP) (11.1)
Established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt Congress passed the Reorganization Act of 1939, which created the Executive Office of the President; multiple organizations created to help the president in carrying out major duties. Staff in the EOP gather information, develop policy, and advise the president EOP agency staffs include attorneys, scientists, social scientists, and other highly technical or professional personnel. supervised by the White House chief of staff has become the president's closest group of advisers Top positions must be confirmed by Senate. Organizations include the Office of Management and Budget, the Council of Economic Advisors, and the National Security Council. These three are the oldest.
Historical exceptions to Qualifications of a President and Vice President (Notes)
Exceptions: -James Buchanan (president was not married), -JFK (Family sold illegal drugs and alcohol and Catholic), -Geraldine ferraro (First woman to be nominated to run for president), -Joe Lieberman (First jew nominated to run for president), -Barack Obama (First black president), -Donald Trump (First president with no governmental experience), -Hilary Clinton (2nd female to run for president, won the popular vote), -Kamala Harris (Running for president), -Elizabeth Warren (running for president), -Bernie Sanders (running for president)
How the electoral college system works? (Notes)
People vote to influence electors in electoral college and not for the president Number of electors in the Electoral College= Number of Senators and House of Representative members + 3 (from D.C. according to the 23rd amendment) The electors in the Electoral College vote for the President in a winner-take-all system Candidate must receive majority of total Electoral College votes If no candidate receives the majority of total Electoral College votes than the House of Representatives vote
Amendment 22 (1951) (10.2)
Largely passed because of FDRs four terms This amendment established that a president would be limited to two terms in office; it also allowed a vice president who takes over in the middle of a presidency and serves no more than two years to serve two more terms. Thus, one person could be president for 10 years but no more.
What is the length of the term of office for the President and Vice President before and after 1951? (10.2)
Pre-1951 - Maximum length was not defined, therefore unlimited; The norm was 2 terms until FDR, who served 4 terms Post-1951 - - a president would be limited to two terms in office; - a vice president, who takes over in the middle of a presidency and serves no more than two years, to serve two more terms. Thus, one person could be president for 10 years but no more.
Hillary Clinton - Presidential exceptions
Notes: 2nd female to run for president; won the popular vote. book: In 2008 she came close to becoming the first female presidential nominee from a major party; she became Secretary of State
Geraldine Ferraro - Presidential exceptions
Quizlet: 1st Female Democratic Vice Presidential Candidate Notes: First woman to be nominated to run for president
Joe Lieberman - Presidential exceptions
Quizlet: first Jewish to be nominated for President Notes: First Jew
Jesse Jackson - Presidential exceptions
Quizlet: ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988 Google: is an American civil rights activist, Baptist minister, and politician. He was a candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988
What happens if a president becomes seriously disabled, or unable to fulfill the duties of the president, while in office? (10.2)
The Twenty-fifth Amendment describes what should be done when a president is disabled. It provides that the vice president becomes acting president under one of two conditions: if the president informs Congress of an inability to perform in office and, second, if the vice president and a majority of the cabinet or a body authorized by Congress inform the Congress of this condition. This second provision takes effect when the president is unwilling or unable to inform Congress of a disabling condition.
Responsibilities of a Vice President (defined by the Constitution) (10.2)
The Constitution gives the vice president three duties: - vice president takes over the presidency in case of presidential death, disability, impeachment, or resignation. - vice president presides over the Senate and votes in case of a tie; most vice presidents spend very little time in this part of the job. - under the Twenty-fifth Amendment, the vice president helps decide whether the president is unable to carry out his or her duties and acts as president should that happen. NOTE: Nine vice presidents have succeeded to the presidency upon the death or resignation of the president. Another five have been elected president after their terms as vice president.
What would happen if the offices of president and vice president both became vacant at the same time? (10.2)
The Succession Act of 1947 established the order of presidential succession for such instances. According to this law, after the vice president, the next in line for the presidency is the Speaker of the House. The president pro tempore of the Senate follows the Speaker. Next in line are the cabinet officers, starting with the secretary of state. The other 14 department heads follow in the order in which Congress created the departments.
Electoral College (10.3)
The institution that is composed of a set of electors who are chosen to elect a president and vice president into office every four years
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) (11.1)
The largest agency within the Executive Office of the President. It prepares the national budget for the president, who then presents it to Congress. OMB also reviews agency regulations and legislative proposals The OMB's budget reflects what the federal government will spend money on and how much
How it is possible to lose the popular vote and win the election? (10.3)
This usually happens when a candidate wins several large states by narrow margins. This occurred 5 times in history so far John Quincy Adams in 1824, Rutherford B. Hayes in 1876, Benjamin Harrison in 1888, George W. Bush in 2000 Donald J. Trump 2016
How is it possible to lose the Electoral College vote and win the election? (10.3)
When neither presidential candidate wins 270 electoral votes, the House of Representatives must decide the winner. Each state casts one vote. The candidate who receives 26 or more votes is elected
landslide (10.1)
a great majority of votes for one side
convention (10.3)
a meeting where political party members who have been chosen as delegates from each state vote for the candidate supported by their state's voters Delegates to the conventions represent all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and all U.S. territories. The delegates vote to nominate a candidate based on the outcome of their states' primary elections and caucuses.
elector (10.3)
a member of a political party chosen in each state to formally elect the president and vice president
caucus (10.3)
an event held before an election where members of a political party select delegates to send to the national party convention, where they will also vote to nominate a candidate
primary (10.3)
an event held before an election where members of the party go to the polls and vote on which candidate they want to see earn their party's nomination
The Federal Elections Commission (FEC) (10.1)
an independent regulatory agency created by Congress to enforce federal election laws - tracks campaign spending based on reports required by the candidates. - tracks campaign spending on a monthly basis and reports this information to the public on its website. - Once a candidate begins to raise and spend money on a campaign, he or she must report all fundraising and expenditures to the FEC.
political action committee (PAC) (10.3)
an organization formed to collect money and provide financial support for political candidates. - PACs can gather like-minded individuals to test whether a potential candidate has enough national appeal to win. - PACs also begin raising large sums of money that would be needed for a campaign.
What happens during the first phase of presidential campaigns? (10.3)
candidates must convince members of their own political party to choose them instead of another candidate from the same party. So, Democrats run against Democrats and Republicans run against Republicans in a series of primaries or caucuses.
The National Security Council (NSC) (11.1)
composed of the president's senior national security advisers and cabinet officials. They advise the president and coordinate American military and foreign policy. They also coordinate the government's planning for and response to domestic terrorism and catastrophes. Besides the president, the council includes the vice president, the secretary of state, secretary of the treasury, and the secretary of defense.
Article II of the United States Constitution
defines the Executive Branch, it's powers, duties, and means of removal. This article sets up the executive branch (the President, the Vice-President, and the Cabinet). This branches job is to enforce/execute/sign/veto the laws of the United States.
Qualifications of a President and VP (informal requirements) (10.1 book explanation)
experience in government - Every president in American history (Except TRUMP) served in one of these roles before becoming president: vice president, U.S. senator or representative, cabinet secretary, governor of a state, or general in the U.S. Army. Political Beliefs - Extremely liberal or conservative candidates have little chance of being elected, and the major parties usually choose candidates who are moderate. Personal Characteristics - Historically, most presidents have come from northern European backgrounds. A few have been from poor families—Abraham Lincoln, Harry S. Truman, and Bill Clinton, for example. Several presidents—such as Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush—have come from wealthy families, but most have been middle class. Most presidents have been white, married, and financially successful. Barack Obama was the nation's first African American president. To date, every president has been a man and each has identified as Christian. John F. Kennedy, elected in 1960, was the first Roman Catholic president; previously, voters had always elected a Protestant candidate Financial Backing - Running for the presidency demands large amounts of money. Candidates pay for advertising, salaries of campaign staff and consultants, and travel; they also spend millions of dollars to reach out to voters by mail, e-mail, Internet, and phone. Modern presidential campaigns cost tens of millions of dollars. ****Presidential candidates can accept public financing for their campaigns, but they must limit how much money they spend to specific dollar amounts. ****Candidates who forgo public financing can spend as much as they can collect Leadership Skills (listed on a diff slide)
ADDITIONAL INFO -> How many electors are in the Electoral College?
includes 538 electors. - Each state has as many electors as it has senators and representatives in Congress. - With 1 representative and 2 senators, Wyoming has 3 electoral votes. - California, the most populous state, has 55 electoral votes (53 representatives and 2 senators). - Washington, D.C., has 3 electors, even though it has no voting representation in Congress. - To be elected president or vice president, a candidate must win at least 270 of the 538 votes. - The Electoral College is a winner-take-all system in almost every state. That means the candidate who receives the most popular votes in a given state wins all the electoral votes for that state—even if the margin of victory is only a single popular vote! - Only Maine and Nebraska do not use the winner-take-all system. They allocate their electoral votes by congressional district. Whichever candidate receives the most popular votes in each district gets that district's electoral vote. The remaining two electoral votes in those states are awarded to the candidate who wins the popular vote statewide. - The Electoral College meets a few weeks after the general election to record the electors' votes. If no presidential candidate receives the majority of the electoral votes, the House of Representatives chooses from the three candidates who have the largest number of votes.
liberal (10.1)
open to new behavior or opinions and willing to discard traditional values
The Twelfth Amendment (1804) (10.3)
required presidential electors to vote separately for president and vice president to solve this problem.
third-party candidate (10.3)
someone who represents a political party that is neither Democrat nor Republican
National Security Advisor (11.1)
the director of the National Security Council (NSC)
Presidential succession (10.2)
the order in which officials fill the office of president in case of a vacancy
winner-take-all system (10.3)
the system used by the Electoral College in almost every state in which the candidate who receives the most popular votes in a given state wins all the electoral votes for that state
popular vote (quizlet definition)
the votes cast by individual voters in a presidential election, as opposed to the electoral vote
WASP (quizlet and google)
white Anglo-Saxon Protestants. From Quizlet Autofill Until late-1960s, dominated the middle-class areas of urban areas. Also dominated suburbia until middle-class inner city residents moved to suburbs in large numbers. (WASPs) in the United states, are an ethnic group known for forming the dominant social class of powerful white Americans of British Protestant ancestry. Some WASPs trace their ancestry to the American colonial period.