The PresidencyThe Election Process

Chief of everything…Chief of ___________- ceremonial head of the U.S.Chief ____________- holder of executive powerChief ___________- leader of federal Gov. & executive powerChief ____________- handles foreign policy & spokesperson for U.S.____________ & Chief- charge of armed forcesChief ___________- author of public policyChief of___________ leader of pol. PartyChief __________- representative of all the people

Qualifications

Compensation$400,000/ year (since 2001)

$50,000/ year expense account Is taxed on this amount too

Other benefits: White House

Oval Office & West Wing with staff “Air Force One Marine One Camp David, Thurmont, MD Healthcare, insurance, pension

Perks-Air Force One& white house

Constitutional Amendments22nd- Term limits, & 12th-Pres. & V.P. on same ticket in electoral college.

Presidential Succession & 25 Amendment25th Amendment, 1967

Allows for VP to be “Acting President”

In case of death, resignation, or impeachment

Provides for change if Pres. is incapacitated

Examples in history

Role of Vice President changed over time…Officially – preside over Senate and wait…

For much of history, VP was ignored Considered “political suicide” to accept spot

Can help “balance the ticket” Handpicked by Presidential nominee Can strengthen ticket, balance geography

Today’s VPs are much more active & involved Biden, Cheney, Gore

VP vacancies – nominated by Pres. confirmed by both House & Senate – majority vote

VPs cannot be fired, but may also be impeached

Election Cycle for President & V.P.Primary & Caucus Elections- A primary election is an election that narrows the field of candidates before an election for office.

Winners of the primaries for each party are announced at the National Conventions

Then the General Elections occurs between the Republican and Democratic candidates.

Winners of Primary Election announced Conventions throughout the years… hyperlink

National Convention- 1920 Republican Convent.

1956- Democratic Convention- Harry Truman!

Republican Convention- 1968

1968 Democratic Convention- Riots in Chicago

Then a General Election…2012- The winners of the primary elections, then campaign to win the General Election.

Combination of Popular Vote in each state to win “Electoral” votes in Electoral College.

Electoral CollegeIn each state, the popular vote is counted. The Winner of the Popular vote, takes ALL OF THE ELECTORAL VOTES FOR THAT STATE!

2008 ELECTION- OHIO VOTE BARACK OBAMA WON JUST 51 PERCENT OF THE POPULAR

VOTE IN OHIO AND WON ALL OF THE STATES 20 ELECTORAL VOTES

DESPITE THE FACT THAT SOME 2.5 MILLION OHIOANS VOTED FOR HIS REPUBLICAN OPPONENT, John McCain!

2012 Electoral Vote

2012 Obama also won popular Vote!!! Not always!

Bush won the “electoral college”, but not the popular vote?

2000 Election, Pres. Bush won electoral…

2000 Election, Gore won Popular vote, lost election!