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The Presidency

The Presidency. U2, C12. The Powers of the President. Qualifications: US born citizen 35 years old Lived in US minimum 14 years Major duties and powers Serve as administrative head of the nation Act as commander in chief of the military Convene Congress Veto legislation

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The Presidency

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  1. The Presidency U2, C12

  2. The Powers of the President Qualifications: • US born citizen • 35 years old • Lived in US minimum 14 years Major duties and powers • Serve as administrative head of the nation • Act as commander in chief of the military • Convene Congress • Veto legislation • Appoint various officials • Make treaties • Grant pardons

  3. Expansion of Presidential Power Formal powers • Most presidents enter office with clear policy goals • Power as commander-in-chief Inherent powers: authority claimed by president that is not clearly specified in Constitution; inferred • Legacy of permanent expansion • Executive orders: presidential directives that carry the force of law Congressional delegation of power • Gives the executive branch more responsibility to administer programs that address problems • Freedom in how to implement policies

  4. Executive Branch EstablishmentExecutive Office of the President President’s executive aides and their staffs; extended White House executive establishment Top aides • Chief of Staff • National Security Adviser • Council of Economic Advisers • Senior Domestic Policy Adviser Advisory Style • Competitive: overlapping authority • Hierarchical: clear lines of authority • Collegial: loose staff structure; access

  5. Executive Branch EstablishmentThe Vice President and the Cabinet Vice President • Take over the presidency in the event of presidential death, disability, impeachment, or resignation • Traditionally carry out political chores - campaigning, fundraising, party politics – modern VPs more influential The Cabinet • Heads of the departments of the executive branch and key officials • Cabinets not very influential • Large • Members have limited areas of expertise • President chooses members because of reputations or other reasons • Modern presidents do not rely on Cabinet to make decisions; rely more on staff

  6. Presidential Leadership • Presidential character • Character matters: emotional intelligence, strong self-esteem, leadership, integrity, competence • Power to persuade: bargaining, dealing with adversaries, choosing priorities • Influence related to professional reputation and prestige • President and the public • Popular president more power to persuade • Factors that influence presidential popularity • Economic conditions • Major events that occur during administration • Lose popularity when involved in a war with high casualties

  7. Presidential Leadership – Political Context • Partisans in Congress • One of best predictors of presidential success is number of fellow partisans in Congress • Divided government: one party controlling the White House and the other party controlling at least one house • Gridlock: situation in which government incapable of acting on important policy issues • Elections • President must try and please separate constituencies while trying to do what is best for whole country • Electoral mandate: endorsement, by voters to carry out policy platform on which campaigned; electoral victory expression of the will of the people • Political party systems • Presidential leadership shaped by relationship with dominant political party and its policy agenda • Do the public policies and political philosophy associated with president’s party have widespread support?

  8. President as National Leader • From political values… to policy agenda • Chief Lobbyist • Legislative liaison staff: communications link between the White House and Congress • Work with interest groups to build support for legislation • Party Leader • Informal duty in comparison to Prime Ministers

  9. President as World Leader • Foreign relations • Three fundamental objectives • National security: direct protection of US and its citizens from external threats • Fostering a peaceful international environment: mediating conflict, facilitating bargaining, peacekeeping to ensure stability • Protection of US economic interests • Crisis Management • Guidelines: • Variety of advisors and opinions • Not acting in unnecessary haste • Well-designed, formal review process • Examination of underlying options

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