The Presidential Requirements
According to the Constitution the President must be at least 35 years of age, however the President is usually much older, the average is 54 years of age. The President must be a natural born citizen and the President must be a U.S. resident for 14 years.
There are some "Unwritten Rules" or tendencies that have been seen in many of the Presidents. These "Unwritten Rules" consist of being a male, being white, having an Ivy League School degree, coming from a family with money and the President should be a Protestant. There is an explanation for these "Rules" and they are on the right track. The reason for having an Ivy League School degree means that the candidate is intelligent, of course many people that do not go to Ivy League Schools are also intelligent however many Presidents did attend an Ivy League School. It is believed that Catholics report to the Pope and the people did not want a puppet in control therefore most candidates tend to be Protestant. Coming from a family with money is an important rule to consider. Many people vote for the President, for many people to know about the candidates, they must be advertised. Advertising to the entire country is expensive, therefore the candidates must have money. It is not necessary for the candidate to have a family with money, they must be able to earn a lot of money to help support their campaign, this involves a lot of fundraising. The other two "Unwritten Rules" are either broken or possibly soon to be broken.
There are some "Unwritten Rules" or tendencies that have been seen in many of the Presidents. These "Unwritten Rules" consist of being a male, being white, having an Ivy League School degree, coming from a family with money and the President should be a Protestant. There is an explanation for these "Rules" and they are on the right track. The reason for having an Ivy League School degree means that the candidate is intelligent, of course many people that do not go to Ivy League Schools are also intelligent however many Presidents did attend an Ivy League School. It is believed that Catholics report to the Pope and the people did not want a puppet in control therefore most candidates tend to be Protestant. Coming from a family with money is an important rule to consider. Many people vote for the President, for many people to know about the candidates, they must be advertised. Advertising to the entire country is expensive, therefore the candidates must have money. It is not necessary for the candidate to have a family with money, they must be able to earn a lot of money to help support their campaign, this involves a lot of fundraising. The other two "Unwritten Rules" are either broken or possibly soon to be broken.
Terms and Pay
The President can be elected to two four year terms and is paid $400,000 per year in office. The Vice President on the other hand receives $208,100 per year.
Presidential Power
Expressed Powers
Powers specifically given to the President by the constitution or the law.
Inherent Powers
These powers are derived from the loosely worded statements of the constitution.
Emergency power is an inherent power used by the President during a national crisis.
An executive order, an inherent power, is a rule that has the full effect of a law that must be published and made public.
The executive privilege is an inherent power that gives the President the power to withhold information from congress and the people.
Roles of the President
Chief of State/Chief Citizen
The chief of state role requires a president to be an inspiring example for the American people. The president should be everything that we, the people of the United States, expect of our citizens.
Chief Executive
The President decides how the laws of the United States are to be enforced and chooses officials and advisers to help run the Executive Branch.
Chief Diplomat
The President decides what American diplomats and ambassadors shall say to foreign governments. With the help of advisers, the President makes the foreign policy of the United States.
Chief Legislator
The Constitution gives the President power to influence Congress in its lawmaking. Presidents may urge Congress to pass new laws or veto bills that they do not favor.
Chief of Party
The President helps members of his political party get elected or appointed to office. The President campaigns for those members who have supported his policies. At the end of a term the President may campaign for reelection.
Commander-in-Chief
The President is in charge of the U.S. armed forces:the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines. The President decides where troops shall be stationed, where ships shall be sent, and how weapons shall be used. All military generals and admirals take their orders from the President.
Chief Guardian of the Economy
The President is concerned with such things as unemployment, high prices, taxes, business profits, and the general prosperity of the country. The President does not control the economy, but is expected to help it run smoothly.
Impeachment
An impeachment is the accusation of treason, bribery, or other high crimes or misdemeanors. This is not when the President is removed from office.
The Vice President
The Vice President has very few responsibilities. The Vice President, according to the constitution, is the President of the Senate and is the first to replace the President. The roles of the Vice President, like all of the roles in the constitution, are vaguely stated, because of this the Vice President has flexibility in his powers.
Presidential Succession
If the President dies, resigns or is removed from office, the Vice President succeeds to the office. The 25th amendment states that the Vice President can become acting President if the President informs congress in writing that he is unable to perform his duties and if the Vice President and a majority of the Cabinet informs Congress that the President is incapable of performing his duties. If the Vice President and a majority of the Cabinet inform Congress that the President is incapable of performing his duties, then the President may resume duties by informing Congress that no inability exist, however, the Vice President and a majority of the Cabinet may challenge him. If the previous scenario occurs Congress has 21 days to make a decision.
The Order of Presidential Succession
Vice President
Speaker of the House
President Pro Tempore
Members of the cabinet in order of creation
The Order of Presidential Succession
Vice President
Speaker of the House
President Pro Tempore
Members of the cabinet in order of creation
