Presidential Leadership

Constitutional Powers of the President The “executive” Commander-In-Chief Appoints heads of government departments Conducts foreign policy Appoints judges Power to pardon “Faithfully execute the law” Can call Congress into special session

Informal Sources of Power Personal exercise of power Jefferson & Louisiana Purchase Theodore Roosevelt – “do anything that the needs of the Nation demanded, unless such action was forbidden by the Constitution or by the laws”

Informal Sources of Power Immediate needs of the nation Abraham Lincoln Suspended writs of habeas corpus. Jailed opponents of union without trial. Raised an army without Congress’ approval. Did what was necessary to preserve the union.

Informal Sources of Power Immediate needs of the nation Franklin D. Roosevelt Economic depression Created new unconstitutional programs Expanded number of government employees

Informal Sources of Power Mandate of the People Strong popular support President has to get his “message” across Communication Popular Loved by the people

Limits on Presidential Power Limitation by Congress Override of a veto Confirmation power of Congress Control of appropriations Power to impeach NO ! Not this year Not yet

Limits on Presidential Power Limitation by Federal Courts Courts can declare President’s programs unconstitutional. Limitation by Bureaucracy Bureaucrats can drag their feet

Limits on Presidential Power Limitation by Public Opinion Forced LBJ to not run for re-election Forced Clinton to abandon his plans to change the health-care system.

Styles of Leadership Failure Success The Great Communicator Must understand the public and communicate well with the public Failure Success The Great Communicator

Styles of Leadership Sense of Timing Had the good sense to wait until he had an international group of supporters before attacking Saddam Hussein.

Styles of Leadership Openness to new ideas versus Open Closed

Styles of Leadership Ability to compromise League of Nations Failure

Styles of Leadership Political courage ??? !!! Maybe ??? Yes

Presidential Isolation Receives special treatment May not like different opinions Limited access to President Chief of Staff

Presidential Isolation Dangers of Isolation Isolated                   Out of Touch Restricted

Presidential Isolation The President must stay in touch with the American people and with new ideas. ??? Time will tell Success