The Constitution lists only three qualifications for the Presidency — the President must be 35 years of age, be a natural-born citizen, and must have lived in the United States for at least 14 years.
Duties
The President is both the head of state and head of government of the United States of America and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. Under Article II of the Constitution, the President is responsible for the execution and enforcement of the laws created by Congress.
The Powers of the President
According to Article II of the Constitution, the President has the following powers:
- Serve as commander in chief of the armed forces.
- Commission officers of the armed forces
- Grant reprieves and pardons for federal offenses (except impeachment)
- Convene Congress in special sessions
- Receive ambassadors
- Take care that the laws be faithfully executed.
- Wield the “executive power.”
- Appoint Cabinet officials, White House staff and Supreme Court justices
Powers of the President That Are Shared with the Senate
- Make treaties
- Appoint ambassadors, Cabinet members, and Supreme Court justices
Powers of the President That are Shared with Congress as a Whole
- Approve legislation
Removal from Office
The 25th amendment to the constitution states that if the President becomes unable to do his job, the Vice President becomes the President. This amendment was created due to the assignation of John F. Kennedy [JFK]. It clarifies when a President is unable to perform the duties of the office, and the terms the President must meet to reinstate duty. However, the VP and some cabinet members must enforce the law. Under certain circumstances, the President can apply the amendment temporarily.
There are times when impeachment requires office removal. The President must automatically be removed from office without the consent of Congress. The three scenarios warrant removal.
- It must be mandated (Congress’s debate and vote not required) that the President be removed from office if he/she does not protect Americans from an economic or health crisis that was no doing of their own. For example, President should fund a pandemic relief package that gives monies to states to buy protective gear for first responders such as hospital workers, bus drivers, meat packers, and supermarket stock persons along with producers, etc. Also, the President should provide the leadership necessary to avoid any contagion and not do or say things for his/her interest.
2. It must be mandated (Congress’s debate and vote not required) that the President be removed from office if he/she causes a contraction in GDP based on his/her decisions. For example, businesses closed due to the coronavirus, but only the large corporations became whole while some small businesses closed permanently, and unemployment skyrocket.
3. The President (Congress’s debate and vote not required) is removed from office if he/she violates the Oath or Affirmation of office:– “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”
