The Presidency Chapter 13

The Presidency Chapter 13
Government in America: People, Politics, and Policy Thirteenth AP* Edition Edwards/Wattenberg/Lineberry Chapter 13 The Presidency Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

The Presidency: Myths and Reality
“Powerful, strong, leader of the free world, commander in chief – these are common images of the American president.” “The presidency is power – at least according to popular myth…Nothing could be further from the truth.” Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

What important questions arises when discussing the presidency?
Explain why presidents have trouble getting things done despite the appearance of great power. Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

The Presidency “The main reason presidents have trouble getting things done is that other policymakers with whom they deal have their own agendas, their own interests, and their own sources of power.” “Presidents operate in an environment filled with checks and balances and competing centers of power…Congress is beholden not to the president but to the individual constituencies of its members.” Critics also argue that Congress is too beholden to special interests (especially those w/$$$$$!) Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

What can a President do to increase his level of success?
“Because not everyone easily bends to even the most persuasive president, the president must be a leader. As Richard Neustadt has argued, presidential power is the power to persuade.” “To accomplish these goals, the president must get other people – important people – to do things they would otherwise not do.” “To be effective, the president must have highly developed political skills to mobilize influence, manage conflict, negotiate, and fashion compromises.” Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

What are some other important questions about the presidency?
Can the presidency become too powerful and thus pose a threat to democracy? Or is the Madisonian system strong enough to check any such tendencies? On the other hand, is the president strong enough to stand up to the diverse interests in the U. S.? Doe the president have enough power to govern on behalf of the majority? What important questions about the presidency are raised regarding the nature of their relationship w/the public and its consequences for public policy? In their efforts to obtain public support from the broad spectrum of interests in the public, are presidents natural advocates for the expansion of government? Do they promise more than they should..? Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

What expectations do Americans have of their President?
Americans are of Two Minds When it Comes to the Presidency Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

What expectations do Americans have of their President?
Americans are of Two Minds When it Comes to the Presidency Americans want a president who is powerful and who can do good like Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, both Roosevelts, and Kennedy. Yet Americans do not like a concentration of power because they are individualistic and skeptical of authority. Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

The Presidents Who They Are Formal Requirements:
Must be 35 years old Must be a natural-born citizen Must have resided in U.S. for 14 years Informal “Requirements”: White, Male, Protestant (except one) All manner of professions, but mostly political ones (former state governors, for example) Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

The Presidents How They Got There
Elections: The Normal Road to the White House Once elected, the president serves a term of four years. In 1951, the 22nd Amendment limited the number of terms to two. Most presidents have been elected to office. Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

The Presidents How They Got There Succession and Impeachment
The vice president succeeds if the president leaves office due to death, resignation, or removal. Impeachment: a majority vote in the House for “Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors” If impeached, the president is tried by the Senate with the Chief Justice presiding. Only two presidents have been impeached--Andrew Johnson and Clinton—neither was convicted. The 25th Amendment clarifies what happens if the president becomes disabled. The vice president becomes acting president if the vice president and president’s cabinet determine that the president is disabled. Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

Article II Article II of the Constitution gives the President power to: Command the armed forces Make treaties Approve or veto acts of Congress Send or receive diplomats “Take care that the Laws be faithfully executed.” The presidency has been called the “most powerful office in the world.”

Views of the Presidency
Checkpoint: What two views of the presidency were debated by the Framers? These executive powers are broadly defined and open to interpretation. At the Constitutional Convention, some delegates argued for a weaker chief executive appointed by Congress. They were defeated by delegates supporting a strong, independently elected executive. Checkpoint Answer: Whether the president should be weak and subordinate to Congress or strong and independent of the other branches.

Presidential Powers The Expansion of Power
Presidents may develop new roles for and expand power of the office. This expansion of power has occurred most in the president’s role as commander in chief. Perspectives on Presidential Power Only since FDR has every President, Republican as well as Democrat has believed in a strong president. Prior to then, most presidents took a back seat to Congress, except in war. During the 1950’s and 1960’s people favored a powerful president. By the 1970’s, presidential power was checked and distrusted by the public. This change came in the wake of Vietnam and Watergate. Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

The Growth of Presidential Powers
What factors have contributed to the growth of presidential power? 1)The presidency is a unified office with a focused purpose. 2) The way some President’s have viewed and exercised their roles as President. 3)The nation’s increasingly complex economic and social life has increased presidential power.

The Growth of Presidential Powers
4)Congress has granted more authority to the executive branch. 5)The President can act decisively in times of crisis, increasing his or her influence. 6) The support staff of the President has grown over time. 7) The President’s ability to use the mass media to advance his agenda.

Presidential power has grown over time. Why has this happened?
1)The presidency is a unified office with a focused purpose. Compared to Congress, which has two houses and 535 members who represent districts and states, the executive branch is a unified office with one leader , chosen by the entire nation, who represents the national interest rather than local or state interests. The necessity of quick action, especially in matters of national security, has also led to greater power for the president. Has the need for quick action become an excuse for the surrender of Congress’s constitutional war making power? More than a few scholars of constitutional law worry that too much power has been assumed by the President at Congress’s expense – and perhaps at the expense of our republic.

Presidential power has grown over time. Why has this happened?
2) The way some President’s have viewed and exercised their roles as President. Presidents themselves have taken the initiative to develop new roles for themselves. In fact, many of the presidents have enlarged the power of the presidency by expanding the president’s responsibilities and political resources.

Growth of Power Thomas Jefferson doubled the size of the country without expressed constitutional authority with the Louisiana Purchase. He put aside concerns over the constitutionality of his action in order to gain enormous territory.

Growth of Power Andrew Jackson presented himself as the direct representative of the people. He, and he alone, was elected by all the people and he was their voice against the parochialism of Congress.

Andrew Jackson Critics accused Jackson of behaving like a King. Jackson’s frequent use of the veto and his strong personality upset some in Congress so much they formed a new political party – the Whig Party. Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

Growth of Power Lincoln mobilized the country for war and spoke eloquently of the meaning of the war. He not only was a military leader, but also a moral leader. Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

Gilded Age Presidents During the “Gilded Age” (late 19th century), the Presidents took a back seat to Congress. They also refused to put forward any kind of legislative agenda to deal with social problems, such as a growing gap between rich and poor, or frequent periods of high unemployment. (photo of President Grover Cleveland ) Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

Growth of Power Theodore Roosevelt viewed the President as the “steward of the people” who was charged with setting the nation’s agenda. Theodore Roosevelt was a strong advocate for a strong president both in setting an activist agenda for the national government dealing with domestic policy and foreign policy. Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

TR: “The Steward of the People”
He advocated consumer and environmental protections, and regulation of business. He also used his power to obtain the Panama Canal. Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson set precedents for Presidents as world leaders. Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

President of Restraint
Roosevelt’ s successor, William Howard Taft had a traditional view of the presidency. Taft saw the President more as an administrator who carried out the policy set by Congress. Eventually, his old friend, Theodore Roosevelt unsuccessfully challenged him to regain the White House. Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

Calvin Coolidge and Herbert Hoover
The 1920s saw a return to Presidents of restraint. Harding, Coolidge, and Hoover believed not only in “the government that governs least, governs best”, but also in “the President who does least, does best.” Even when the Great Depression hit, Herbert Hoover failed to respond decisively. Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

Growth of Power With his New Deal to combat the Depression, Franklin D. Roosevelt developed the role of the President as manager of the economy. The President is expected to maintain the conditions for a strong economy. Roosevelt’s bold leadership helped lift the nations’ spirits and bring about recovery. Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

FDR Roosevelt was also a bold leader in wartime. Here he is with Soviet leader Joseph Stalin and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill discussing plans to defeat Nazi Germany. Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

The Cold War Under President Harry S. Truman a permanent national security apparatus, centered in the Pentagon, began. President Harry S. Truman was a believer in an activist President and national government. He ordered the desegregation of the armed forces and stood up against communist aggression. Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

Republican Dwight D. Eisenhower and Democrat John F
Republican Dwight D. Eisenhower and Democrat John F. Kennedy were both activist Presidents, especially in their role as commander-in-chief and chief diplomat. Kennedy also advocated a liberal domestic agenda. Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

Lyndon B. Johnson President Lyndon B. Johnson was another believer in a strong president and national government. His Great Society agenda included landmark civil rights legislation, Medicare and Medicaid, aid to education, and poverty programs. His actions in escalating the Vietnam War proved his downfall. Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

The Imperial Presidency
The term “imperial presidency” gained wide usage during Richard Nixon’s presidency. Nixon took the notion of an activist president to a new level. Many Americans had already viewed Johnson’s actions in Vietnam as abusive of power. Nixon believed that in matters of national security (war and foreign policy), the President was justified in doing whatever he felt was needed, with or without congressional approval. The Watergate Scandal forced him from office in disgrace in 1974 and led to Congress reasserting itself. Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

President Reagan Ironically, it was an outspoken critic of government activism, Republican Ronald Reagan who helped restore American’s faith in a strong president. Congress responded to Reagan’s calls for reduced taxes and cuts to poverty programs. Reagan also presided over a huge military build-up and helped bring about the end of the Cold War with Russia. Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

President Barack Obama
Barack Obama won the presidency in a time of economic crisis. He fulfilled his promise of action by himself and the federal government as soon as he assumed office. Obama signed an $800 billion economic recovery bill and used the power of government to save General Motors and Chrysler from bankruptcy. He also signed a landmark healthcare bill. Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

3)The nation’s increasingly complex economic and social life has increased presidential power.
As the U.S. has become more industrialized and technologically advanced, the people have demanded that the Federal Government take a larger role in transportation, communications, health, welfare, employment, education, civil rights, and a host of other fields. Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal programs established a “permanent” welfare and regulatory state. The people have looked especially to the President since the Depression for leadership in these matters. The president is looked upon as the “manager” of the economy. He doesn’t take the place of business. He is expected to help maintain the conditions for private business to thrive (which makes for a strong economy). Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

3)Congress has granted more authority to the executive branch.
Congress has delegated authority to the executive branch to carry out the many laws passed by the legislative branch. Congress has neither the time nor the specialized knowledge to provide much more than the basic outlines of public policy.

4)The President can act decisively in times of crisis, increasing his or her influence
Constitutionally, the president has the leading role in American defense and foreign policy (often termed national security). The President is the commander in chief of the 1.4 million men and women of the nation’s armed forces.

Commander in Chief: Defender of the nation’s security
Although only Congress is constitutionally empowered to declare war and vote on the military budget, Congress long ago became accustomed to presidents making short-term military commitments of troops or naval vessels. The ability of the President to act in crisis situations when the nation’s security is involved has done much to strengthen executive power. (Photo of President Ronald Reagan)

Commander in Chief, or King?
But an important question has been raised by the growth of presidential power. Has the need for quick action become an excuse for the surrender of Congress’s constitutional war making power? More than a few scholars of constitutional law worry that too much power has been assumed by the President at Congress’s expense – and perhaps at the expense of our republic. Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

Commander in Chief: Defender of the nation’s security or usurper of power?
George Washington ordered troops to put down Whiskey Rebellion and John Adams used them in Frie’s Rebellion. Adams ordered the arming of merchant ships. Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

Et tu, Thomas? Strict constructionist Thomas Jefferson actually ordered the navy to attack North African pirates who harassed U.S. shipping in the undeclared Barbary Coast War. Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

James K. Polk, Manifest Destiny and war with Mexico
James K. Polk, a firm believer in manifest destiny was determined to safely secure Texas as well as expand U.S. territory to the Pacific. Unwilling to accept Mexico’s refusal to sell the territory, Polk ordered U.S. forces onto disputed territory claimed by Mexico. When fighting broke out, Polk asked for a war declaration claiming an unprovoked Mexican attack. Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

“A Wicked War” “By bundling the authorization of war funds with a declaration of war attributed to Mexico, Democrats ensured that any opponent of the measure could be accused of betraying the troops. Polk’s supporters skillfully managed to stifle dissent in the House by limiting debate to two hours, an hour and a half of which was devoted to reading the documents that accompanied the message. The flabbergasted opposition was caught completely off guard and struggled to amend the bill. Powerless and voiceless, they watched helplessly as Polk’s supporters ruthlessly stifled debate and foisted war on Congress and the country.” p. 104 Amy S. Greenberg, A Wicked War: Polk, Clay, Lincoln, and the 1846 U.S. Invasion of Mexico

Commander in Chief As President, Abraham
Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation as a war measure. This executive order freed all the slaves still held by disloyal slaveholders in states in rebellion against the Union. Lincoln argued that slaves helped the rebel war effort. Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

War making without Congressional Authority
Theodore Roosevelt used the threat of US military action to gain the Panama Canal. Woodrow Wilson invaded Mexico twice in 1914 and 1916. Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

Commander-in-Chief or Tool of US Business Interests?
Even presidents of restraint, put aside their opposition to wider domestic powers when it came to protecting US business interests. President Taft (right) and President Calvin Coolidge sent the marines to Nicaragua. Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

Commander-in-Chief President Franklin Roosevelt ordered the arming of US merchant ships trading with Nazi Germany’s enemies without congressional authority. His actions violated neutrality and pushed the US closer to war with Germany. (FDR w/British PM Winston Churchill aboard HMS Prince of Wales, 1941) Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

Commander in Chief Following North Korea’s invasion of south Korea in June 1950 President Truman ordered US forces in support of UN forces to repel the communist North Koreans. Over 5 million Americans served in the Korean War between – a war never officially declared by Congress. Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

Commander-in-Chief and Director of Covert Operations
The CIA, established under Truman helped overthrow governments in Iran and Guatemala with President Eisenhower’s assent. Eisenhower also sent 5,000 marines to Lebanon in In 1960 the CIA also began training Cuban exiles for an invasion of Cuba to overthrow Fidel Castro. Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

Commander in Chief President Kennedy approved the disastrous Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba in 1961 and stepped up US involvement in Vietnam. He ordered a naval blockade, or “quarantine” off of Cuba and threatened war unless the Soviets removed missiles in Cuba. Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

A “blank check” for LBJ in Vietnam
When President Johnson announced that a US ship was attacked by North Vietnam in August 1965 Congress passed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution authorizing the president to take “all necessary measures to repel armed attack” in Vietnam. This wasn’t exactly an official declaration of war, but rather a “blank check” that LBJ used to escalate US involvement in the war. By 1968, there were over 500,o00 US troops in Vietnam. Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

Commander in Chief: Defender of the nation’s security or usurper of congressional power?
Nixon’s secret plan to end the war in Vietnam included bombing of neutral Laos and invasion of neutral Cambodia. Nixon expanded the war, before ending it without congressional approval. As a reaction to the disillusionment about American fighting in Vietnam and Cambodia, Congress passed the War Powers Act (1973) over Pres. Nixon’s veto. Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

The Imperial President
Richard Nixon was certainly a believer in a strong president. But he believed in president unaccountable to Congress in foreign affairs. He abused his power both domestically and as commander-in-chief and was forced to resign rather than face impeachment and removal. Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

Reagan justifies invasion
President Reagan invaded the tiny island nation of Grenada in 1983 without congressional authorization. He justified his actions as defender of America’s national security. Grenada, which had been taken over by communists, had a population of under 100,000. Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

Reagan Sells Arms to Iran to Free Hostages and to Funnel Arms to Right Wing Fighters in Nicaragua
President Reagan secretly funneled weapons to Iran hoping they would intervene to get US hostages held by terrorists in Lebanon freed. He also took money from the sale of these weapons and sent it to rebels in Nicaragua who were trying to overthrow a Socialist govt. Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

Iran-Contra Affair When Reagan’s scheme was uncovered he denied direct knowledge. In the end the President escaped impeachment and lower govt officials, like as Col. Oliver North went to prison. North later claimed Reagan approved the operation. Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

George H. W. Bush and “Operation Desert Storm”
President Bush sent over 500,000 troops to the Persian Gulf after Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait. Congress ultimately narrowly gave Bush authorization to take what measures he deemed necessary, but did not declare war (like the Gulf of Tonkin resolution). Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

President Clinton and the Balkans
President Clinton ordered the US Air Force to assist NATO forces bombing Serbia in what had been Yugoslavia. Serbia was guilty of genocide against Bosnian Muslims and Croations. He also assigned some US forces to UN peacekeeping forces there. Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

“W” Afghanistan and Iraq
President Bush sent US forces into Afghanistan following the 9-11 attack. Bush also invaded Iraq in 2003 without a congressional declaration of war. (Congress did pass a “use of force” resolution similar to the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution.) Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

Commander in Chief Even when Democrats gained control of Congress in 2007, they refused to force President Bush to end the U.S. presence in Iraq. Congress funded US actions in Iraq. Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

Commander in Chief: Defender of the nation’s security
Is Congress afraid of the President? Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

5) The support staff of the President has grown over time.
The size of the staff supporting the President has grown, allowing involvement in more areas of government.

6) The President’s ability to use the mass media to advance his agenda.
Presidents have a unique ability to use mass media—such as radio, television, and the Internet—to attract public attention to their policies and goals. As Theodore Roosevelt said, the President has the “bully pulpit.” As the single head of the Executive Branch, it is much easier for the media to focus on him. The more successful presidents, and the more powerful ones as well, are those who know how to use the mass media to their advantage. They are great communicators/persuaders/salesmen. Ex. FDR, Reagan

Means of Gaining Power The debate continues over how much power the President should have relative to Congress. What is the source of presidential power as shown in this political cartoon? Answer to cartoon question: Powers such as executive privilege, the veto power, and the ability to impound funds.

Gaining Power In this cartoon, who is giving the President increased powers? Answer to cartoon question: Congress

Limits on Power Checkpoint: What limits the growth of presidential power? In 1952, the Supreme Court ruled that President Harry Truman could not use his powers as commander in chief to take control of U.S. steel mills during the Korean War. (Youngstown Sheet & Tube C. v. Sawyer) Checkpoint Answer: Checks and balances built into the Constitution.

Limits on Power, cont. In 2006, the Court ruled that President George W. Bush could not use military tribunals to prosecute “enemy combatants” and held that part of his plan violated the Geneva Conventions and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. (Hamdan v. Rumsfeld)

Opposing Views Presidents like Theodore Roosevelt have supported broad powers. Roosevelt supported the “stewardship theory,” arguing that the President should try to do whatever would help the public, using whatever powers could be claimed. As he stated, “…My belief was that it was not only [a President’s] right but his duty to do anything that the needs of the Nation demanded unless such action was forbidden by the Constitution…”

Opposing Views, cont. Presidents like William Taft have favored limited presidential powers. Taft felt that Presidents could not simply assume powers that they felt were needed to serve the people. All executive power had to be based clearly on the Constitution. NOTE TO TEACHERS: The above image shows Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft.

Imperial Presidency In recent years, some critics claim that the presidency has grown too powerful. They refer to this increase of power as an imperial presidency because presidents often take actions without consulting Congress.

Running the Government: The Chief Executive
As Chief Executive, the president presides over the administration of government. Constitution: “take care that the laws be faithfully executed” Today, federal bureaucracy spends $2.5 trillion a year and numbers more than 4 million employees. Presidents appoint 500 high-level positions and 2,500 lesser jobs. Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

The Vice President Basically just “waits” for things to do Power has grown over time, as recent presidents have given their VPs important jobs The Cabinet Presidential advisors, not in Constitution Made up of 14 cabinet secretaries and one Attorney General, confirmed by the Senate Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

The Executive Office National Security Council (NSC) Created in 1947 to coordinate the president’s foreign and military policy advisers Members include the president, vice president, secretary of state and defense, and managed by the president’s national security adviser Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) A 3-member body appointed by the president to advise on economic policy Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Performs both managerial and budgetary functions, including legislative review and budgetary assessments of proposals Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

The White House Staff The top aides in the White House hierarchy are people who are completely loyal to the president, and the president turns to them for advice. Chief aides and staff for the president—some are more for the White House than the president Presidents rely on their information and effort but presidents set tone and style of White House Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

Presidential Leadership of Congress: The Politics of Shared Powers
Chief Legislator (Negative Powers) Veto: The president can send a bill back to Congress with his reasons for rejecting it. It may be overridden with 2/3 support of both Houses. Pocket Veto: A president can let a bill die by not signing it when Congress adjourns within 10 days of submitting a bill. Line Item Veto: ability to veto parts of a bill--some state governors have it, but not the president Vetoes are most used to prevent legislation. Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

Pushing an Agenda Party Leadership The Bonds of Party Being in the president’s party creates a psychological bond between legislators and presidents, increasing agreement. Slippage in Party Support Presidents cannot always count on party support, especially on controversial issues. Leading the Party Presidents can offer party candidates support and punishment by withholding favors. Presidential coattails occur when voters cast their ballots for congressional candidates of the president’s party because they support the president. Races are rarely won in this way. Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

Public Support Public Approval A source of presidential leadership of Congress Public approval gives the president leverage, not command; it does not guarantee success Mandates Perception that the voters strongly support the president’s character and policies Mandates are infrequent, but presidents claim a mandate anyway Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

Legislative Skills Bargaining: concessions for votes, occurs infrequently Being strategic, presidents increase chances for success by exploiting “honeymoon” at beginning of term Presidents may set priorities to influence Congress’ agenda; president is nation’s key agenda builder Skills must compete with other factors that may affect Congress; they are not at the core of presidential leadership of Congress Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

The Power of Leadership
Remember what Richard Neustadt argues: “Because not everyone easily bends to even the most persuasive president, the president must be a leader. As Richard Neustadt has argued, presidential power is the power to persuade.” “To accomplish these goals, the president must get other people – important people – to do things they would otherwise not do.” “To be effective, the president must have highly developed political skills to mobilize influence, manage conflict, negotiate, and fashion compromises.” Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

The President and National Security Policy
Chief Diplomat Negotiates treaties with other countries Treaties must be ratified by 2/3 vote in the Senate Use executive agreements to take care of routine matters with other countries May negotiate for peace between other countries Lead U.S. allies in defense and economic issues Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

Commander-in-Chief Writers of the Constitution wanted civilian control of the military. Presidents often make important military decisions. Presidents command a standing military and nuclear arsenal - unthinkable 200 years ago Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

War Powers Shared War Powers in Constitution Congress has the power to declare war. President, as Commander-in-Chief, can commit troops and equipment in conflicts War Powers Resolution (1973) Intended to limit the president’s use of the military Requires president to consult with Congress prior to using military force and withdraw forces after 60 days unless Congress declares war or grants and extension Presidents see the Resolution as unconstitutional Presidents continue to test the constitutional limits of using the military in foreign conflicts. Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

Crisis Manager Crisis: a sudden, unpredictable, and potentially dangerous event The role the president plays can help or hurt the presidential image. With current technology, the president can act much faster than Congress to resolve a crisis. Working with Congress President has lead role in foreign affairs Presidents still have to work with Congress for support and funding of foreign policies. Once again, the ability to persuade people to do something is critical here as well. Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

The President and National Security
Although Congress shares responsibility for national security policy, including holding the purse strings, the role of Congress has typically been oversight of the executive rather than initiation of policy. Congress has been reluctant to challenge the President once military forces have been committed. Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

Power from the People: The Public Presidency
Going Public Public support is perhaps the greatest source of influence a president has. Presidential appearances are staged to get the public’s attention. As head of state, presidents often perform many ceremonial functions, which usually result in favorable press coverage. Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

Power from the People: The Public Prresidency
Remember what Richard Neustadt argues: “Because not everyone easily bends to even the most persuasive president, the president must be a leader. As Richard Neustadt has argued, presidential power is the power to persuade.” “To accomplish these goals, the president must get other people – important people – to do things they would otherwise not do.” “To be effective, the president must have highly developed political skills to mobilize influence, manage conflict, negotiate, and fashion compromises.” Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

Presidential Approval Receives much effort by the White House Product of many factors: predispositions, “honeymoon,” rally events Changes can highlight good or bad decisions. Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

Policy Support Presidents attempt to gain public support through televised messages, with little success The public may not be receptive to the president’s message or misperceive it all together. Mobilizing the Public The president may attempt to motivate the public to contact Congress. A difficult task, given inattentive and apathetic public May backfire: a lack of response speaks loudly Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

The President and the Press
Presidents and media are often adversaries due to different goals. Media need stories; presidents want to convey their messages to the public Many people in the White House deal with the media, but the press secretary is the main contact person. Press conferences are best-known direct interaction of president and media Media do not focus on substance of policies but on the “body watch.” News coverage of presidents has become more negative. Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

Understanding the American Presidency
The Presidency and Democracy Concerns over the president having too much power often tied to policy concerns. The idea of an “imperial presidency” gained traction after the Vietnam War and Watergate scandal. Others argue there are too many checks and balances on the president. Ironically, Ronald Reagan, a conservative critic of “big” government helped restore more confidence in a strong president. Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

The Presidency and the Scope of Government: President of Action v. President of Restraint Theodore Roosevelt helped shape the idea of the modern presidency. His notion of the presidency as a “bully pulpit ” had been accepted by every president since FDR. TR believed the president could do anything he felt was necessary for the well being of the nation as long as it was not specifically denied by the Constitution. TR believed in a president of action. Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

Ironically, TR’s immediate successor, William Howard Taft held a much different view. His view was that unless the Constitution specifically granted the president certain powers he could not act. He preferred a president of restraint, where he/she deferred to the Congress, serving basically as an administrator. Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

Some presidents have increased the functions of government. (T. Roosevelt, W. Wilson, Franklin D. Roosevelt helped establish the role of the federal government as a regulatory state. FDR’s New Deal also expanded the regulatory state and established the welfare state with Social Security.) Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

Ever since the Great Depression, Americans have demanded presidential action during troubled economic times. Agencies have been set up to advise the president on economic matters. Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

The powers of the president greatly expanded during WW II. Unlike in previous situations, however, when WW II ended, there was not a big decrease in presidential power in matters of national security. The Cold War w/the Soviet Union began and lasted until Beginning w/Truman, the national security state also emerged. New agencies related to national security have been created and expanded. Since the events of 9/11/01 the government has grown even more. The Department of Homeland Security was created in 2002. Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

Summary Americans expect a lot from presidents.
Presidents work as part of an organization. Presidential leadership of Congress is central but difficult Presidential roles and responsibilities, even national security, tied to Madisonian system of checks and balances Pearson Education, Inc., Longman © 2008

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