The document provides an overview of the powers and roles of the President of the United States, including both expressed powers in the Constitution as well as informal powers that have expanded over time. It discusses the President's role as Commander in Chief, chief executive, and head of state. The document also examines the President's cabinet, staff, and relationship with Congress.

1. State of the Union 2013

2. Pre Class
** Use the packet that you did while I was out
to help you!
• According to Article II of the Constitution:
– What are the qualifications a person must
meet in order to become President?
– What are 3 powers that the President has?
• Who votes directly for the President?

3. Executive Branch of the
United States
…“Take care that the laws be faithfully
executed” (carried out, enforced)
- enforces laws, treaties and court
decisions

4. The President
Constitutional
Requirements
• Must be 35
years old
• Must have lived
in the United
States for 14
years
• Must be a
natural born
citizen
President Obama is the 44th
President of the United States

5. The Vice-President
Presides over Senate and casts a
vote in the event of a tie.
Assumes Presidency should
President be unable to finish his
term.
Role Vice-President plays mostly
determined by President:
VP Biden: “behind the scenes”
counselor for Obama
VP Cheney: national security; one
of the most visible VP’s in U.S.
History
VP Gore: advisor to President on
environmental issues
Daniel Webster: “I do not choose
to be buried until I am already
dead”.

6. How much do they make?
President: $400,000 per year
-- $50,000 expense account
-- $100,000 nontaxable for travel
-- $19,000 official entertainment
-- free housing (1600 Pennsylvania Ave.)
• Secret Service protection (up to 10 years after leaving
office)
• Country home (Camp David)
• Personal airplane (Air Force One)
• Staff of 400-500 full-time employees
Retired president: $196,700 per year
-- $150,000 to maintain staff

7. Vice President: $227,300 per
year
-- $10,000 expense account
-- free housing (Number One
Observatory Circle)

8. The President’s Cabinet

9. The Cabinet
First established by George Washington in
1789. The “inner cabinet” has the most
power:
-- Secretary of State
-- Secretary of Treasury
-- Secretary of War (now Defense)
-- Attorney General
cabinet secretaries: provide oversight of a
governmental department.
• appointed by the President and
approved by the Senate.

10. More on the President’s cabinet…
• 1789: 4 Cabinet posts
• TODAY: 15 Cabinet members
• Last cabinet department was created in
2002 -- the Department of Homeland
Security.

11. Created in 2002, un response
to September 11, 2001 attacks

12. Obama’s “Inner” Cabinet
Secretary of State Secretary of the Treasury
John Kerry (incoming) Jack Lew (incoming)

13. Obama’s “Inner” Cabinet
Secretary of Defense Attorney General
Leon Pantella (outgoing) Eric Holder

14. E
G
D
A
C
B
F

15. The President’s Expressed Powers
Commander in Chief
• Commander in Chief of
Army, Navy & National
Guard
President Eisenhower sends the 101st
airborne division of the Army to
desegregate Central High in Little
Rock, Arkansas (1957)

16. Chief Executive
9/8/74 – Ford pardons
Nixon
• “faithfully execute” the
laws
• grant pardons for federal
offenses except for cases of
impeachment
• nominate judges of the
Supreme Court and all
other officers of the U.S.
(Senate confirms)
• fill vacancies that may
happen in Senate My fellow Americans, our long national
nightmare is over...Our Constitution works; our
great Republic is a government of laws and not
of men.

17. Diplomatic (Foreign Affairs) Powers
• appoint ambassadors, ministers and consuls
• make treaties subject to Senate confirmation
• receive ambassadors
Pres Obama
gives Japanese
emperor a bow

18. Legislative Powers
• Give State of the Union address to Congress
• Recommend “measures” to the Congress
• Upon “extraordinary occasions” convene both
houses of Congress

19. Pre Class
• List 2 expressed powers of the President.
• The President also has powers that are not in
the Constitution. Can you give an example of
one?

20. Presidential Decision Making
1. U.S. Army troops are trapped on an island off the coast of South Korea.
How can they be rescued?
Commander in Chief
2. A breakfast is scheduled with top leaders from Congress to check on two
educational bills introduced by the White House. How can support be
gained?
Chief Legislator
3. A summit meeting is scheduled with a new Russian leader. What can
be done to improve U.S. Russian relations?
Head of State
4. Many people are complaining about high taxes. How can taxes be
cut and the government’s programs maintained?
Economic Leader
5. A U. S. embassy has been bombed and several Americans have been
killed. What should be done?
Commander in Chief of Foreign-Policy Leader

21. Decision Making, cntd
6. A senatorial candidate from the President’s party is in financial trouble. How
can she be helped?
Party Chief
7. One of the large automobile manufacturers is going bankrupt. Should it be
given a government loan?
Economic Leader
8. A meeting is scheduled with the Secretary of Defense and two Army
generals to discuss plans for developing new weapons. Should their plans be
supported?
Commander in Chief
9. There is an oil spill off the coast of California, how should it be cleaned up?
Chief Executive
10. A presidential press conference is planned for next week. How should plans
to cut down on government paperwork be announced?
Chief Executive

22. Informal Powers
• Those powers not explicitly written in the
Constitution
• Similar to “necessary and proper” powers
of Congress
• In the modern era (since 1933), the
President’s informal powers may be
significantly more powerful than his
formal powers

23. Why has the President’s power
grown?
• Article II is vague – “to take care that
the laws be faithfully executed.”
• Expanded bureaucracy – 15 cabinets,
independent agencies (ie. CIA)
• 20th century – US faced Depression
and wars; had to act in emergencies
• Modern media (TV) allows candidates
to appeal directly to the American
people for support of his agenda
• The President in pop culture – we
perceive him to be all-powerful

24. Executive Orders
• Orders issued by the President that
carry the force of law
• Clinton’s “Don’t ask don’t tell”
gays in the military policy
• FDR’sinternment of Japanese
Americans (EO 9066)
• GWB trying suspected terrorists in
military tribunals
Notice for Japanese “relocation,” 1942

25. Executive Agreements
• International agreements, usually related to trade, made
by a president that has the force of a treaty; does NOT
need Senate approval
• Jefferson’s purchase of Louisiana in 1803
• GWB announced cuts in
the nuclear arsenal, but
not in a treaty; usually
trade agreements between
US and other nations

26. Executive Privilege
• Claim by a president that he has the right to decide
that the national interest will be better served if
certain information is withheld from the
public, including the Courts and Congress
• Nixon did not want to turn
over private tapes in the
midst of Watergate –
claimed EP

27. President v. Congress
• Prez’s power has grown tremendously, BUT
– Congress has oversight power
– Prez has a TERM LIMIT (22nd
amendment), Congress does NOT

28. Closing Questions
• Why are informal powers more important
than formal powers, particularly to modern
presidents?
• Identify several advantages and
disadvantages of the use of the president’s
informal powers.
• Has the use and perhaps abuse of the
informal powers created an “Imperial
Presidency?” Defend your answer.

30. Reminders 
– QUIZ WEDNESDAY on the executive branch
• Presidential qualifications
• Expressed and informal powers of the Presidents
• 7 roles/jobs of the President
– Following the President on social media journal
due MONDAY!!!! BE WORKING ON IT!

31. Analyzing Presidential Decisions

32. Scenario #1
• The President issues an order that women in
the armed forces may now serve in a direct
combat capacity during wartime.

33. EXPRESSED (formal) Powers in the Informal Powers
Constitution
Commander in Chief – civilian Executive Order – similar to
leader of the military Truman’s desegregation of the
military & Clinton's "Don’t Ask
Don’t Tell" policy
Chief Executive – responsible for
the Department of Defense

34. Scenario #2
• The president and the Secretary of State
negotiate an agreement with North Korea to
end its designs on building a nuclear weapon.
In exchange, the U.S. will commit $15 billion in
humanitarian aid to the North Korean people
suffering from mass starvation, and forgive up
to $25 billion in loans by the North Korean
government to U.S. banks. The president
consulted Congress, but did not request a
treaty.

35. EXPRESSED (formal) Powers in the Informal Powers
Constitution
Commander in Chief – involves Executive Agreement - POTUS
military negotiates agreement with N.
Korea
Foreign Powers:
Appoint ministers (Secretary of
State) Chief Legislator – needs $ from
Negotiate treaties – though may Congress
not require formal treaty

36. Scenario #3
• A major earthquake hits 80 miles south of San Francisco
incurring enormous damage with hundreds feared dead or
missing, and billions of dollars in property damage. The
president mobilizes the National Guard as well as regular
army units to assist in the rescue effort and to help
maintain order. He instructs agencies of the federal
government (ex. FEMA, Health and Human Services,
Homeland Security) to send aid. After visiting the “Quake
Zone,” the President addresses a joint session of Congress
and requests short and long term financial assistance for
the affected areas.

37. EXPRESSED (formal) Powers in the Informal Powers
Constitution
Commander in Chief – mobilizes Chief Legislator – takes lead by
National Guard & military addressing Congress
Chief Executive – mobilizes
agencies of federal government
Legislative Powers – recommend
measures to Congress

38. Scenario #4
• In his State of the Union Address, the
president outlines a comprehensive plan to
overhaul the Social Security system including
an option to privatize Social Security accounts.
He expects Congress to pass his plan in its
entirety.

39. EXPRESSED (formal) Powers in the Informal Powers
Constitution
Legislative powers: Chief Legislator – President
State of the Union address initiates his domestic agenda to
Recommend measures to the Congress
Congress
Chief Executive – head of all Political Party Leader – expects
executive depts.. including Social the assistance and loyalty of
Security Administration members of his party in Congress

40. Scenario #5
• In a 7-2 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court
strikes down an Oklahoma law requiring the
teaching of intelligent design in public schools.
As an act of defiance, the governor of
Oklahoma orders the closing of several public
schools which had refused to teach the
intelligent design curriculum. The president of
the United States commits National Guard
troops to forcibly open the public schools and
restore order.

41. EXPRESSED (formal) Powers in the Informal Powers
Constitution
Chief Executive - “faithfully
execute the laws;” in this case a
Supreme Court decision
Commander in Chief – commits
National Guard troops

42. Scenario #6
• For several months, there have been credible reports that
there is a mass genocide bring carried out by an African
nation's government against ethnic minorities. Amnesty
International estimates that more than 500,000 have been
murdered thus far. In a speech to a joint session of
Congress, the president of the US declares that he will
commit 25,000 American troops to t assist the United
Nations in an effort to stop the violence against civilians
and restore peace to the country. In his speech, the
president contends “as the last remaining superpower, the
US has a moral obligation and the means to stop the
murders of countless innocent men, women and children.”

43. EXPRESSED (formal) Powers in the Informal Powers
Constitution
Commander in Chief – commit US
troops
Head of State – Chief diplomat
addressing UN

45. What makes a good President?

46. Demographic Characteristics of U. S.
Presidents
• Male - 100%
• Caucasian – 99.98%
• Protestant - 97%
• British ancestry - 82%
• College education - 77%
• Politicians - 69%
• Lawyers - 62%
• Top 3% wealth & social class - At least 50%
• Elected from large states - 69%

47. “Fortunate Son” (CCR)
• What do you think this song is about, i.e. what’s
going on? (Hint: You may incorporate historical
information into your answer .)
• Compare and contrast these lyrics to the
demographic characteristics of presidents. What
connections can you make between the lyrics and
those statistics?
• What do you think is the overall message of the
songwriter?

48. Essential Question
• Is it important for the President to
be able to identify with YOU?
• What would you change about the
demographics of the American presidents?
(ie. More women, a latino President, more
African American
presidents, wealth, religion, etc.)

49. Agree/Disagree
• It is important for a Presidential candidate to look
good.
• An effective President must be an excellent public
speaker.
• All Presidents must have military experience.
• America is ready to vote for a woman President.
• The President should be able to declare war without
the permission of Congress.
• Let’s abandon the Electoral College and just have the
winner be one who receives the most votes from the
people

50. Agree/Disagree
• Presidential candidates should be limited on how
much they can spend on their campaign.
• The system would work better if the President
and Vice President were from different parties.
• America would benefit from having a legitimate
3rd party option.
• I would not give the President the power to
pardon.

51. Agree/Disagree
Number your page 1-5. Next to each #, write
whether you agree or disagree with each statement listed.
1. All Presidents must have military experience.
2. America is ready to vote for a woman President.
3. The President should be able to declare war without the
permission of Congress.
4. Let’s abandon the Electoral College and just have the winner
be one who receives the most votes from the people
5. The system would work better if the President and Vice
President were from different parties.

52. How much power should the President
have?

53. Presidential Burials
• http://www.c-span.org/GrantsTomb/

54. White House Office
• White House staff members/aides that
President appoints and works with daily.
Appointed without Senate confirmation.
• Includes “assistant to the President”, “press
secretary”, and “special consultant”.
Organization of White House Office:
Circular: Pyramid:
President deals directly A “hierarchy” that
with staff members communicates
through a “chief of staff”.
 First Lady also has her own office/staff.

55. NY Times Exdorsements
• http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2012/10
/28/opinion/presidential-endorsement-
timeline.html

56. Executive Office of the President
(EOP)
Originated with FDR, created in 1939
President’s personal “bureaucracy”
Monitors work done in cabinet departments
and federal agencies.
A group of offices, councils, boards devoted
to specific areas (national
security, trade, budget, etc…)
Approximately 2,000 employees

57. EOP Overview cont’d…
• Chief of Staff: Bill Daley
(formerly Rahm Emanuel)
-- Highest ranking member of
office. Serves managerial and
advisory role.
-- Senior aide to President.
“Second Most Powerful Person
in Washington”.
 Office of Management &
Budget (OMB)
-- Largest office in EOP- prepares
budget & monitors funds spent
by Congress.
-- Oversees budgets/records of
Executive agencies.

58. Independent Agencies
• Exist outside federal executive departments but
are still considered part of Executive branch.
 Created by Congress
 President appoints people to them and they are
confirmed by the Senate.
 Examples include…
• CIA (Central Intelligence Agency)
• EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)
• FEC (Federal Election Commission)
• FTC (Federal Trade Commission)

59. How much do they make?
President of the United States $400,000
Executive Schedule
Level 1: Cabinet-level officials $196,700
Level II: Deputy secretaries of departments,
secretaries of military departments, & heads of $177,000
major agencies
Level III: Under secretaries of departments &
heads of middle-level agencies
$162,900
Level IV: Assistant secretaries & general
counsels of departments, heads of minor
agencies, members of certain boards &
$153,200
commissions
Level V: Administrators, commissioners,
directors, & members of boards, commissions, or $143,500
units of agencies