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Presidential Power: A Clerkship?

Explore the ways in which the modern presidency differs from the intentions of the framers of the Constitution. Delve into the natural consequences of these differences and whether we should prioritize the Constitution or the framers' desires. Gain another perspective on presidential power through the lens of Richard Neustadt and his concept of the power to persuade. Examine three notable cases of presidential command and understand why persuasion is necessary in these situations.

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Presidential Power: A Clerkship?

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  1. Presidential Power:A Clerkship?

  2. Bimes vs. Nichols In what ways is the modern presidency different from what the “framers wanted”? In what ways is it a natural consequence?

  3. Do we care what the Constitution says?Do we care what the framers wanted?

  4. Another perspective on the nature of presidential power Richard Neustadt

  5. Richard Neustadt • The constitutional presidency is a clerkship • Presidential power is the power to persuade • The power to persuade is the power to bargain

  6. Three Cases of Command • Truman firing General MacArthur • Truman seizing the steel mills • Eisenhower ordering troops to Little Rock

  7. In order to command, you need: • 1.    President’s involvement unambiguous • 2.    President’s words unambiguous • 3.    President’s order widely publicized • 4.    People who received order had everything they needed to carry it out • 5. President’s authority to issue the order not in doubt

  8. Why persuasion is necessary “When one man shares authority with another, but does not gain or lose his job upon the other’s whim, his willingness to act upon the urging of the other turns on whether he conceives the action to be right for him. The essence of a President’s persuasive task is to convince such men that what the White House wants of them is what they ought to do for their sake and on their authority.” --Neustadt, Presidential Power, P. 30

  9. Two resources • Professional reputation • Public prestige

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