THE VICE-PRESIDENT

The Vice-President of the United States is elected at the same time and by the same method as the President.  But he has no executive duties whatever so long as the President is capable of performing his duties.  In order that he might have something to do, he was made presiding officer of the Senate, but even there he has no vote.

Investigate and report: 

The qualifications necessary to hold the office of President
(Const., Art.  II, sec.  I, cl. 5).

How the electors elect the President (Const., Amend.  XII).

Who would become President if both the President and the Vice-
President should die.

The salary of the President.

The oath taken by the President on assuming office.  The difference between an oath and an affirmation (Art.  II, sec. i, cl. 8).

The powers of the President (Art.  II, sec. 2).

A President who was impeached.

Why no President has been elected for a third term.

Advantages and disadvantages of a longer term for the President.

GROWTH OF THE NATIONAL SERVICE ORGANIZATION

The President is at the head of a stupendous service organization which was not ready-made by the Constitution, but which has been gradually created by acts of Congress under its express and implied powers.  The Constitution did not even create the great administrative departments through which the President works, although it implied that such departments should be created:  “The President ... may require the opinion, in writing, of the principal officer in each of the executive departments, upon any subject relating to the duties of their respective offices” (Art.  II, sec. 2, cl. i).  The heads of these departments are appointed by the President, are responsible to him, and may be removed by him.  Together they constitute the President’s cabinet, meeting with him frequently to discuss the affairs of their departments and matters of public policy.

THE ADMINISTRATIVE DEPARTMENTS

Five of these administrative departments were created during Washington’s administration.  These five have grown to cover a multitude of activities that were not at first contemplated, and five other great departments have since been created.

The department of state maintains relations between the United States and foreign powers.  The Secretary of State, acting for the President, negotiates treaties with foreign governments, and is in constant communication with the ambassadors, ministers, consuls, and other representatives of our government in foreign countries, and with similar representatives of foreign governments in this country.  This department is the medium of communication between the President and the governors of the several states.