President of the Confederate States of America facts for kids
Quick facts for kids President of theConfederate States |
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Seal of the Confederate States
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 Jefferson Davis February 18, 1861 – May 5, 1865 Provisional: February 18, 1861 – February 22, 1862 |
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| Style | His Excellency |
| Residence |
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| Seat |
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| Appointer |
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| Term length |
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| Constituting instrument | Constitution of the Confederate States |
| Formation |
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| First holder | Jefferson Davis |
| Final holder | Jefferson Davis |
| Abolished | May 5, 1865 |
| Salary | CS$25,000 per year |
The president of the Confederate States was the main leader of the Confederate States of America. This group of states broke away from the United States during the American Civil War. The president was both the head of state (the symbolic leader) and the head of government (the person in charge of running the government).
The president was also the commander-in-chief of the Confederate Army and Navy. This meant they were the top leader of all military forces.
The Constitution of the Confederate States gave the president the power to carry out laws. They could also appoint important officials, like judges and ambassadors. The president could make agreements with other countries. They could also offer pardons (forgive someone for a crime). Sometimes, they could call or end meetings of the Congress.
The president was chosen by the people through a system called the Electoral College. They served for a six-year term. Jefferson Davis was the only person to hold this position. He became president of the temporary government on February 18, 1861. Then, on February 22, 1862, he became president of the permanent government. He served until the Confederate military was defeated. The Confederate government officially ended on May 5, 1865. Davis was captured by the United States Cavalry a few days later.
Contents
Presidential Powers and Duties
The president of the Confederate States had powers similar to the president of the United States. The Confederate Constitution made the president the commander-in-chief of the Army, Navy, and state militia (citizen soldiers). This was when these forces were needed by the Confederate States.
The president could also grant reprieves (delay punishments) and pardons for crimes against the Confederate States. They could make treaties with other nations. They could also nominate and appoint ambassadors, judges, and other officials. These appointments needed approval from the Confederate States Senate. The president could also remove these officials. If the Senate was not meeting, the president could fill empty positions. However, they could not reappoint someone the Senate had already rejected.
The president was expected to give information to Congress. They would also suggest new laws. They would welcome ambassadors from other countries. It was their job to make sure federal laws were followed. They also officially appointed all military and naval officers.
Election and Oath of Office
On February 9, 1861, the temporary Congress in Montgomery chose Jefferson Davis as president. They also chose Alexander H. Stephens as vice president. Stephens was sworn in on February 11. Davis was sworn in on February 18. He had just arrived from Mississippi, after leaving his job in the U.S. Senate.
Confederate presidents were meant to serve only one term. Davis and Stephens were officially elected on November 6, 1861. They were chosen for six-year terms, as the permanent constitution said. The capital moved to Richmond in June 1861. So, Davis's second inauguration happened in Richmond on February 22, 1862. It took place near the statue of Washington.
Before becoming president, Davis had to take an oath. This oath was a promise to do his job well. It also promised to protect the Confederate Constitution. The oath was:
I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the Confederate States, and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution thereof.
Presidential Compensation and Residences
In 1861, the president of the Confederate States earned a salary of CS$25,000 each year. They also received money for expenses and travel. The President's Office was on the second floor of the Custom House in Richmond. This building also held the Cabinet Room and other government departments.
The city of Richmond bought a house called the White House of the Confederacy (also known as the Brockenbrough House). They wanted to give it to the Confederate government for the president to live in. Davis did not accept it as a gift, but the house was rented for his use. People called it the "White House of the Confederacy" or the "Grey House." Davis lived there until the Union Army took Richmond in April 1865. Later, this house became a museum for Civil War items. In 1896, it was renamed the Confederate Museum.
List of Presidents
| No. | Portrait | Name (Birth–Death) |
Term | Party | Election | Vice President | |
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| 1 | .jpg) |
Jefferson Davis (1808–1889) |
February 18, 1861 – May 5, 1865 |
Unaffiliated |
Elected by the Provisional Confederate Congress |
Alexander H. Stephens | |
| 1861 | |||||||
Images for kids
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A Confederate election ballot from Virginia, November 6, 1861.
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The Inauguration of Jefferson Davis at the Capitol in Montgomery, Alabama, 1861.
See also
In Spanish: Presidente de los Estados Confederados para niños
