1. Presidential Power and Leadership

2. Presidential Studies The Presidency is the most studied job in the world. – Academically more works (papers, books, etc) are done about the Presidency than any job – By everyday people the Presidency is the most followed job in the world. The Presidency is the most misunderstood job in the world. – Everyday people misunderstand do not know how our system of government works and the President’s place in it. – Why do Academics screw it up?

3. Approaches to Presidential Studies Historical Approach Looking at historical events and evaluating how President handled them at the time.

4. Approaches to Presidential Studies Formalistic Approach Examining the laws and rules that govern the office and how they impact the President.

5. Approaches to Presidential Studies Managerial Approach Studying how Presidents structure decision making and information flow in the White House.

6. Approaches to Presidential Studies Psychological Approach Examining how Presidential personality types influenced the job performance and decisions made by Presidents.

7. The Problem Historical Approach Formalistic Approach Managerial Approach Psychological Approach You have to be trained in all of these aspects, and have little bias in which one provides the best look at the President. U.S. History Class Text Lecture

8. Power vs. Leadership Power: A resource that forces and compels others to do what you want them to do. Leadership: A resource that convinces and persuades others to do what you want them to do.

9. Power Formal Positive Powers of the Presidency (Unilateral) 1)Serve as commander in chief of the armed forces 2)Commission officers of the armed forces 3)Grant reprieves and pardons for federal offenses 4)Convene Congress in special sessions 5)Receive ambassadors 6)Take care the laws be faithfully executed 7)Appoint officials to lesser offices

10. Power Shared/Limited Positive Powers 1)Make treaties (Ratified by Senate) 2)Appoint judges, ambassadors, and high officials (Confirmed by Senate) 3)Approve Legislation (Passes Both Houses)

11. Power Negative Powers 1)The Power to Veto Laws (can be overridden) 2)The Power of Executive Privilege (not absolute) 3)Impoundment of Funds (can be overridden) 4)Signing Statements

12. Power As a resource Power is FORMAL and STATIC. FORMAL: There is a source of the power outside of the individual STATIC: The power does not change greatly over time or based on situation.

13. Leadership It is important to remember that the President if often speaking to different “audiences” Politicians and Leaders in Washington D.C. Party Activists and Officials outside of Washington Various “Publics” Campaigning: Speaks broadly about what they will accomplish In Office: Speaks quietly about problems he will overcome.

14. Uses of Leadership Presidents find themselves having three opportunities to use leadership. 1)Crisis: During a crisis power “floats” to the President. The need for quick, decisive action as well as a unified country allows the President the ability to lead. 2)Consensus: Rare but when a vast majority of the public, key political leaders, and opinion makers agree on a direction then the President finds little resistance to their plans.

15. Uses of Leadership 3) Coalition Building: The President is able to unite key people in various groups (Congress, interest groups, the public, opinion makers) towards a common direction. It is the hardest to achieve but is the most common scenario for Presidents. Few coalitions are long lasting. In all cases a “popular” President finds it easier to lead. Why?

16. Leadership As a resource Leadership is INFORMAL and DYNAMIC INFORMAL: There is no source of leadership outside of the situation and the individual who is attempting to lead DYNAMIC: Leadership can change given time, the scenario being faced, and other factors.

17. Which is more important?