Term of Office: Elected by the people, through the electoral college, to a four-year term; limited to two terms.
Salary: $400,000 per year as of January 20, 2001.
Inauguration: January 20, following the November general election.
Qualifications: Native-born American citizen, at least 35 years old, and at least 14 years a resident of the United States.
Chief Duty: To protect the Constitution and enforce the laws made by the Congress.
Other Powers: To recommend legislation to the Congress; to call special sessions of the Congress; to deliver messages to the Congress; to sign or veto legislation; to appoint federal judges; to appoint heads of federal departments and agencies and other principal federal officials; to appoint representatives to foreign countries; to carry on official business with foreign nations; to exercise the function of commander-in-chief of the armed forces; to grant pardons for offenses against the United States.
