Who is our present minister to England? Would a son of his born in England today be eligible in due time to the presidency? Make a comparative table, giving the qualifications, mode of election (general), and term of representatives, senators and president.
Who is now vice-president of the United States? Have we ever had more than one vice-president at the same time? Name the persons, in their order, who would succeed to the presidency if the president should be unable to perform his duties. If the president should become insane, who would decide that such is the fact? How long would the person thus succeeding to the position of acting president serve? State four ways in which a vacancy in the office of president may occur. If the president leaves Washington, is a vacancy created? If he leaves the country? If he is impeached? In case of the non-election of either president or vice-president, who would serve? How long? How is a vacancy in the office of vice-president filled?
At what "stated times" is the salary of the president paid? In November, 1872, President Grant was re-elected. His new term began March, 1873. In the meantime the salary of the president was increased to $50,000. Did President Grant get the increase? Explain.
Does the vice-president take an "oath of office?" If he succeeds to the presidency must he take the oath prescribed in the constitution? What constitutional provision for the salary of the vice president? Compare the duties of a governor of a state with those of the president.
Debate.
Resolved, That the president should be elected by a direct vote of the people.
Resolved, That the presidential term should be lengthened, and a second term forbidden.
SECTION II.—POWERS OF THE PRESIDENT.
Clause 1.—Some Sole Powers.
The president shall be commander-in-chief of the army and navy of the United States, and of the militia of the several states, when called into the actual service of the United States;[1] he 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,[2] and he shall have power to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States, except in cases of impeachment.[3]