5-3: Presidential Informal Powers

Public Support Presidents rely heavily on persuasion Politics can trump policy Skilled communicators more successful Importance of public opinion polls

Presidential Approval Levels Overview The Poll: “Do you approve or disapprove of the way [name of President] is handling his job as president?” Approve Disapprove Not Sure General trend—high at beginning of term, low at end of term Often tied to the economy

Presidential Approval Levels Factors Increasing Approval Ratings “Honeymoon period” Positive media coverage Foreign policy success Strong economy National crises

Presidential Approval Levels Factors Decreasing Approval Ratings Scandals Negative press coverage Expectations exceed performance Lengthy wars High unemployment

The President and the Media More successful than Congress in setting policy agenda Represents nation, not a district More powerful than any one member of Congress Speaks in a single voice “leader of the free world”