Executive Branch – Policymaking in the Executive Branch Unit III – Part 4

Considerations in setting policy agendas Personal philosophy of the president Popularity of the president Desires of party’s constituent groups Perceptions of emergencies or crisis situations Differences in independence of the president in foreign and domestic matters

Ability to Influence Public Opinion Appeal of personality Record of success Effective use of the media Taking advantage of the honeymoon period Creation of a legislative/executive coalition Effectiveness in conveying a sense of crisis r urgent need

Ability to acquire support of Congress Degree of party loyalty Power to negotiate differences Prospects/problems for certain districts or people Threat of veto Encouragement to modify legislation Use of veto Sign of powerlessness Stalemate of government unless overridden

Reasons for increased power of the executive branch Pressure of citizenry to sway members of Congress toward the president’s position (outsider strategy) Reasons for increased power of the executive branch Center of power in one person Influence of individual, strong personalities Easier for populace to turn to one person Delegation by Congress of authority to the president Use of power in times of national emergencies Use of multiple roles of chief executive, chief legislator, commander in chief, chief diplomat, and party leader Number of people on staff Use of the media