The Presidency: Leading the Nation Chapter 12
Foundations of the Modern Formal powers are modest Presidency Power changes with national conditions, political circumstances, and personal capacities and policy choices of the president Imperial presidency Article II contains general statement on the powers Foreign policy Congress would define it President has sent troops over sees over 200 times and wars have not always been declared Executive agreements are more common than treaties 2009 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. 2
Executive power interpret the meaning of this Legislative authority intent was limited Two features national election and singular authority have had the most impact 2009 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. 3
Foundations of the Modern Presidency Asserting a claim to national leadership Andrew Jackson was first president to assert his power Whig theory: presidency was limited or restrained office Stewardship theory: strong, assertive presidential role 2009 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. 4
The need for presidential leadership of an activist government Foreign policy leadership Isolationism to internationalism WWII fundamentally changed the US Chief diplomat and military commander Domestic Policy Leadership Congress was supposed to be the leader Progressive Era and the New Deal changed this 2009 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. 5
Electoral College Jackson s reform separate slate of electors based on popular vote National convention delegates sent by the party Primary election choosing delegates who select the nominees Open party caucuses Super delegates 2009 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. 6
Choosing the President The primary elections momentum in the early primaries Federal Election Campaign Act of 1974 regulates the raising of money First $250 of each donation provided he/she raises $5000 or more and $250 in 20 or more states Candidates can receive matching funds The national party conventions Officially nominate president and VP, adopt a party platform 2009 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. 7
The campaign for election Election strategy 270 out of the 538 electoral votes House of Representatives Unit rule except Maine and Nebraska Battleground or swing states Media and money 10 second sound bites, tv commercials, and debates Federal funding is available The winners governors are the most popular 2009 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. 8
Staffing the Presidency Presidential appointees significant source of power The executive office of the President (WHO, OMB, and NSC) No constitutional power to the VP but this position has grown over the years The President s cabinet Secretary of State is the most prestigious Other Presidential appointees up to 4000 during a term The problem of control Most severe with appointees working outside the White House loyalty of agency is more than loyalty to president 2009 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. 9
Figure 13-1 Cabinet (Executive) Departments 2009 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. 10
Factors in Presidential Leadership Congress holds the key to presidential success The force of circumstance- (FDR, LBJ, and Reagan) The stage of the President s term Honeymoon period 2009 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. 11
Factors in Presidential Leadership The nature of the issue: Foreign congress defers to the president for several reasons Domestic Relations with Congress Seeking cooperation from Congress more constitutional authority for Congress Veto is a sign or weakness and strength Benefiting from partisan support in Congress Colliding with Congress the power of impeachment The War Powers Act 2009 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. 12
Factors in Presidential Leadership Public support Events and issues economy is the most influential The televised presidency bully pulpit Twice as much coverage as Congress The illusion of presidential government presidents get too much credit when things go well and too much blame when things go bad 2009 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. 13