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The Presidency

Delve into the powers and dynamics of the presidency, from constitutional duties to legislative influence and factors impacting popularity. Learn how historical context and modern challenges shape a president's authority and success.

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The Presidency

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  1. The Presidency 28 November 2011

  2. Powers of the Presidency • How much power do presidents actually have? • Why do some presidents succeed while others fail? • What is success? How can it be defined?

  3. The President and the Constitution • The president’s constitutional duties and authority are found in Article II of the Constitution. • commander in chief • executive • diplomat • legislator

  4. Emergence of the Modern Presidency • Prior to 20th century, president exercised little power • Congress was the main institution – leadership in policymaking • Growth of federal government and complexity of policy led to increased role for president • Also, involvement in world wars • Staff, resources grew as asserted more power (Executive Office of the President)

  5. Sources of Presidential Power • Constitutional powers-formal powers • Delegated powers vs. implied powers • Example: Executive privilege is implied as an incident of executive necessity and power • Presidential popularity

  6. Presidential Popularity (Obama) Link to Presidential Approval Tracker on USA Today

  7. Voters’ Focus on Presidents • Voters expect president to act in area of foreign affairs. • Support the president in crisis situations. • “Rally ‘round the flag” effect: The tendency for the public to back presidents in moments of crisis. • While voters are supportive initially, they tend to demand quick results, and often forget foreign policy accomplishments, particularly if domestic economic issues become concerns.

  8. Rally events

  9. Rally events and Bush’s Approval Ratings Link to Washington Post Polls

  10. Presidential Legislative Agenda

  11. How popularity can influence Congress • Differences between president’s own party and opposition. Who will react most to changes in popularity? • Who gets credit? • Presidents may behave differently when they are popular (less willing to compromise?)

  12. Reasons for Influence on Own Party Members • Policy agreement • Successful president helps party • Small favours • Fundraisers, photo op

  13. Reasons for Less Influence on Own Party Members • No sanctions • Little personal contact between president and rank and file members • Different constituencies • National vs. district/state

  14. The President As Legislator:The Veto • Perhaps the president’s most formidable tool in dealing with Congress is the veto. • Constitution defines the veto precisely. • Used relatively rarely – most used by Gerald Ford. In the past 50 years, the average is fewer than 10 vetoes a year. • The veto allows the president to block congressional action, but does not allow the president to substitute his own policy preferences.

  15. Vetoes by President For further info see a comprehensive list

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