Ratified 1788 · Four sections vesting and limiting presidential power
Vests "the executive Power" in a President serving a four-year term, elected through the Electoral College rather than a direct national popular vote. Sets eligibility: natural-born citizen, at least 35 years old, 14 years a U.S. resident.
"The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States..."
Power to make treaties, "provided two thirds of the Senators present concur."
Nominates ambassadors, federal judges, and other officers "by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate."
Requires the President to periodically report to Congress on the "State of the Union," to receive ambassadors, and to "take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed" — the constitutional basis for the modern executive branch's enforcement authority.
The President, Vice President, and civil officers "shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors."