Overview
The President of the United States serves as both the head of state and head of government, leading the executive branch of the federal government. The President is the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces and has significant powers in foreign policy and domestic affairs.
The President serves as the chief executive of the federal government and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. The office holder is responsible for enforcing federal laws, conducting foreign policy, and leading the executive branch agencies.
Key Facts
4
Year Term
Presidents serve 4-year terms, with a maximum of two terms (10 years total if completing another's term)
270
Electoral Votes to Win
Candidates need 270 of 538 electoral votes to win the presidency
35
Minimum Age
Constitutional requirement: must be at least 35 years old to serve
How Presidential Elections Work
Presidents are not elected by direct popular vote. Instead, citizens vote for electors in their state who then cast votes for President. Each state has a number of electors equal to its total Congressional representation (Senators + Representatives). Most states award all their electoral votes to whichever candidate wins the popular vote in that state.
Presidential elections are held every four years, on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November. The next president takes office on January 20 of the following year.
Primary elections and caucuses typically begin in early winter/spring of an election year, followed by party conventions in summer, and the general election in November.
The President is elected through the Electoral College system. Each state has a number of electors equal to its total Congressional representation. In most states, the candidate who wins the popular vote in that state receives all of its electoral votes. A candidate needs 270 of 538 electoral votes to win.
Article II of the Constitution establishes the executive branch and the office of the President. The 12th Amendment (1804) reformed Electoral College procedures, and the 22nd Amendment (1951) limits presidents to two terms.
Did You Know?
The 22nd Amendment (ratified in 1951) limits presidents to two elected terms. Before this, Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected to four terms, serving from 1933 until his death in 1945.
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Election Glossary
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