The Presidency Wilson 14A

Objective Questions Who Governs? To What Ends? Did the founders expect the presidency to be the most important political institution? How important is the president’s character in determining how he governs? Should we abolish the electoral college? Is it harder to govern when the presidency and the Congress are controlled by different political parties?

Intent of the Presidency Imperial Presidency Helpless Giant Unique to US Prime Minister Outsiders Separate Cabinets Divided government Rival branches Often no majority in Congress Gridlock? Unified government myth

Creation of the Institution Framers feared anarchy and monarchy equally Plural executive Elective monarchy Trusted/needed Washington Top concerns Use militia to overpower states Become a tool of the Senate Elections and terms ELECTORAL COLLEGE

Early Presidents Washington – legitimacy, factions, bureaucracy, foreign relations Jackson – popular, growing union, challenge Congress Antebellum – weakened executive Lincoln – broad use of power Reconstruction – opposition to Congress FDR – New Deal, legislative program, large staff, media