Presidential Leadership: The Shared Powers of Congress Chapter 13 – The Presidency

Chief Legislator Veto: The president can send a bill back to Congress with his reasons for rejecting it. It may be overridden with 2/3 support of both Houses. Pocket Veto: A president can let a bill die by not signing it when Congress adjourns within 10 days of submitting a bill. Line Item Veto: ability to veto parts of a bill— denied to the president in Clinton v. City of NY

Chief Legislator Signing Statement: – Pronouncements issued by a president when he signs a bill into law – Used to comment on the law, comment on their interpretation of the law, assert constitutional objections, or announce how the executive branch will (or will not) administer the law – Increased reliance on unitary executive model – Click here to view Obama’s statement on signing the 2009 stimulus bill into lawhere

Chief Legislator Executive Privilege – Is the president required to divulge private communication between himself and his advisors? – U.S. v. Nixon (1974): The president is entitled to receive confidential advice, but he can be required to reveal material related to a criminal prosecution.

Chief Legislator Impoundment of Funds – Presidents have refused to spend money appropriated by Congress – Budget Act of 1974 Requires presidents to spend funds appropriated by Congress unless he informs Congress and they delay to delete the spending. Congress can pass a resolution requiring the immediate release of money.

Party Leadership The Bonds of Party – Being in the president’s party creates a psychological bond between legislators and presidents, increasing agreement. Slippage in Party Support – Presidents cannot always count on party support, especially on controversial issues.

Party Leadership Leading the Party – Presidents can offer party candidates support and punishment by withholding favors. – Presidential coattails occur when voters cast their ballots for congressional candidates of the president’s party because they support the president. Races are rarely won in this way.

Public Support Public Approval – A source of presidential leadership of Congress – Public approval gives the president leverage, not command; it does not guarantee success Mandates – Perception that the voters strongly support the president’s character and policies – Mandates are infrequent, but presidents claim a mandate anyway

Legislative Skill Bargaining: concessions for votes, occurs infrequently Being strategic, presidents increase chances for success by exploiting “honeymoon” at beginning of term Presidents may set priorities to influence Congress’ agenda; president is nation’s key agenda builder Skills must compete with other factors that may affect Congress; they are not at the core of presidential leadership of Congress