1	Original intent Article II A presidency of limited powers Ceremonial head/actual head of government Four years terms; no original limitation; would share power with Congress Powers of the president broadly
2	The Evolution of Presidential Influence Legislative actions Judicial review The threat of war The mass media, particularly television Increasing federal involvement in economic and social issues Supreme Court has favored an expansion of power
3	Characteristics of the Ideal Executive Three qualifications: 35 years old, 14 years a resident, natural-born citizen Values/skills Americans wish their president to have: political savvy, communication skills, a version for the nation
4	Executive Responsibilities To serve as chief executive of the federal bureaucracy To nominate and appoint key officials To implement and enforce laws To veto unwise bills To negotiate treaties To recognize foreign nations To serve as commander in chief To serve as chief of state To pardon or grand clemency To propose an annual budget
5	Office of the President-Machiavelli:" The first opinion that is formed of a ruler’s intelligence is based on the equality of the men he has around him” 1.White House Office (circular, pyramid) Chief of Staff 2.Executive Office National security or foreign policy (National Security Council) Curtiss-Wright case (1936) Economic policy (Council of Economic Advisors) Domestic policy OMB-Office of Management and Budget 3.Cabinet (15 major executive departments) State of Union address Administration and personnel matters Congressional relations Power of Persuasion Popularity=Power=Congressional Support
6	The vice-president Two constitutional amendments: Twenty-second Amendment (1951) , imposes a two-term limit After Franklin Roosevelt's death, the newly Republican 80th United States Congress desired to establish a firm constitutional provision barring presidents from being elected more than twice. The rationale was a concern that without limits, the presidential position could become too similar to that of a benevolent dictator lasting not just four years but a lifetime, that the position could become too powerful and upset the separation of powers, and even so powerful that elections would become dispensable. Hence, the Twenty-second Amendment was adopted
7	Twenty-fifth Amendment (1967) As originally ratified, Article II, section 1, clause 6 of the United States Constitution stated that if the office of President became vacant, or the President became unable to discharge the powers and duties of the office, "the Same shall devolve upon the Vice President." This language was ambiguous: in the case of vacancy, did the "office" devolve on the Vice President (i.e. he became president), or did the "powers and duties of the office" devolve on him (i.e. he would merely act as President)? While this question was answered by precedent when John Tyler succeeded to the office upon William Henry Harrison's death in 1841, there still remained doubts. Section 1 of the 25th amendment clarified the position: the Vice President becomes President if the presidency is vacated.
8	Twenty-fifth Amendment Confirms the prior practice of making the v-p not an acting president, but president, in the event of the death of a president Outlines a procedure to determine whether an president is unable to discharge the powers and duties of the office
9	Applications of the Amendment The 25th Amendment has been invoked six times since its ratification. Appointment of Vice President Gerald Ford (1973) Succession of President Gerald Ford (1974) Appointment of Vice President Nelson Rockefeller (1974) Acting President George H. W. Bush (1985) Acting President Dick Cheney (2002) Acting President Dick Cheney (2007)
10	Keeping Presidents Accountable Reelection and legacy Congress Supreme Court Media Most presidents since Eisenhower lose public support over time
11	Presidential greatness Surround themselves with talented advisers Depends on situation, resources, opportunity, timing Some presidents valued more after leaving office.