Article Two of the Constitution of the United States sets the guidelines for the Executive Branch to carry out and enforce laws that Congress makes. The president heads the Executive Branch.

Our government is divided into three branches. They are the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial. This “three branch system” is to prevent one branch from becoming too powerful and not following the articles of the U.S. Constitution.

The Constitution states three requirements to be president. They must be at least 35 years of age (avg. age for male in 1770/38), a natural born citizen of the United States, and resident of the United States for at least 14 years.

The Constitution does not disqualify candidates for office based on sex, religion, ethnic background, occupation, or class.

The president is limited to two four-year terms in office.

Before the president begins his official duties, he must take the following oath/affirmation “I do solemnly swear 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.”

Article Two outlines presidential powers:

Veto Power: Can veto any bill passed by Congress. Congress can override the veto with a 2/3 vote by both houses.

Military Power: Commander-in-Chief of all military forces. He commissions all officers in all branches of military service.

Executive Power: Can negotiate treaties (treaty must be approved by Senate), appoint Supreme Court judges (approved by Senate), conduct diplomacy, and handle foreign relations.

Power of the Pardon: The President can grant pardons to people who have been convicted of a crime. The pardon does not mean that the person is innocent.

Enforcing the Law: The President enforces all laws that Congress has passed.

Emergency Power: In a national crisis, the President can call up the military to deal with the emergency.

Power of the Executive Order: A directive for managing the federal government. No limit as to number and purpose but must be lawful.

A responsibility of the president is to give a State of the Union address to Congress.

The president CANNOT DO THE FOLLOWING: make a law, declare war, decide how federal monies will be spent that have been allocated by Congress, withhold funding that has been approved by Congress, and interpret the law.

Our president is our chief diplomat, host, legislator, politician, citizen and commander.

The tone he sets in his administration is based on the decisions he makes, his choice of department administrators, his leadership skills, and his White House staff. His agenda and relationships with world leaders affect the future of our country and each citizen.

The Vice President (VP): The VP helps the president and takes over if the president cannot do his job. The VP also leads the Senate but can only vote if there’s a tie.

If the president or VP commits treason, bribery or other high crimes and misdemeanors, they can be impeached by the House of Representatives and, if found guilty, removed from office by the Senate.

In conclusion, Article 2 sets up the rules for how the president and the executive branch should work, making sure that laws are enforced and the country is well-managed.

Article 2 of our Constitution gives the president great power. Is the president, by his actions, protecting and defending the Constitution of the United States?

Joyce Robinson, member of Living Democracy: Engaging Citizens, a local citizen group. Our mission is to inform and educate the Mid-Ohio Valley about how government works on the local, state, and federal levels and how citizens can be involved to make our democracy work. Join us the third Monday of each month. livingdemocracymov@gmail.com and facebook/speak foryourselfvote and Youtube channel Livin