The Presidency Original Intent “The framers of the constitution needed a more effective, centralized government, yet they were suspicious of the potential abuses of power, especially power vested in a single individual” Where are the President’s duties and authority outlined?

Constitutional Ambiguities Article II: The executive power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America. Duties listed in Article II, Sect.2 & 3:…he shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed …. Early models: Weak executive: limited term, council to check, no veto, merely implement legislation Strong executive:independent appointment, appointment ability, veto power, foreign affairs The Presidency

Evolution of the office Single executive: energetic president can enhance powers Executive agreements in lieu of treaties Dismiss cabinet officers w/o Senate advice & consent Broad Constitutional provisions: ambiguity in Constitution Restrictive view: limited role Stewardship doctrine: like trustee role of Congress Prerogative view: uphold Constitution even if debatable actions are required

The Presidency Evolution of Presidential Influence “Two centuries of national expansion and recurrent crises have increased the influence of the President beyond that specified by the Constitution.” In crisis Congress can delegate authority to the President.

The Presidency Evolution of the office Public Acceptance of positive government Government takes active role in solving or meeting problems (e.g. Great Depression, 1929) Congressional delegation 1922: Budget Office created and President given authority to initiate budget requests Line item veto overturned by Supreme Court Contemporary expectations: CEO of government

The Presidency The Supreme Court has generally favored an expansive interpretation of presidential power. Television has also contributed to the growth of presidential influence. Growth of the federal role in domestic and economic matters increases presidential responsibilities.

The Presidency The Presidency and the office Individual personality Active-positive Change agents; positive government Active-negative Focus on power Passive-positive Focus on popularity Passive-negative Focus on civic virtue, rectitude Bill Clinton? George W. Bush?

The Presidency The Presidency and the office--organization President Vice President Executive Office National Security Council Council of Economic Advisors Cabinet Secretary of State Secretary of Defense Secretary of Commerce First Lady Hierarchy or Spokes of a wheel?

The Presidency The Presidency and the office--organization New Office of Homeland Security 0/ html#HSChttp:// 0/ html#HSC

The Presidency Qualifications for President 35 years old Lived in the United States for 14 years Natural Born Citizen

The Presidency Traditional Responsibilities of the President Serve as Chief Executive of federal bureaucracy Nominate and appoint key officials Propose the yearly budget Implement and enforce laws Veto unwise laws Negotiate treaties

The Presidency Responsibilities of President (Continued) Serve as commander in chief Serve as Chief of State Recognize foreign nations Pardon or grant clemency Develop policies that promote peace and prosperity

The Presidency Presidential War Power The President can commit the armed forces of the United States only: After a declaration of war by congress By specific statutory authorization In a national emergency created by an attack on the United States or its armed forces* *Unless congress has declared war, the troop commitment must be ended within 60 days.

The Presidency President as Crisis Manger Congress declares war and controls the funding of wars Civilian control over the military - The framers insisted that that the people’s elected representative - the president - be in charge of the military. Both foreign and domestic crises addressed by president: Terrorists overseas--and at home Natural disasters at home

The Presidency Presidents as Morale Builders and Recruiters Visiting flood victims Supporting peace plan Appointing judges, Federal and Supreme Court Rewarding campaign supporters with jobs Appoint Federal Reserve chairman

The Presidency President as Priority Setters and Molders of Public Opinion Presidents have become responsible for proposing initiatives in foreign policy, economic growth and stability, and the quality of life. Since the New Deal the president has been expected to propose reforms to ensure domestic progress.

The Presidency Presidents as Administrators Executive Office of the President: Office of Management and Budget, Council of Economic Advisors, etc. OMB advises president regarding hundreds of agencies- what kind of job they are doing, how much money they should be given. President selects cabinet (heads of 14 executive departments) Cabinet members provide alternative views and ensure that presidents do not become isolated by an overly protective entourage.

The Presidency Working with Congress State of the Union Address Detailed drafts of legislation to congressmen Presidents can rarely command they must bargain Help in re-election campaigns Federal projects for their districts Defense contracts Veto and threat of a veto Pocket veto if no Presidential action and Congress has adjourned

The Presidency Public Opinion Leader Symbolic role as leader of the nation as a whole Bully pulpit: platform for expressing needs of the nation Not envisioned by Founders Going public: govt. agencies may lobby other agencies but can not advertise to the public; only President can make this appeal Major address: Bush to issue major addresses this week 2.html 2.html Minor address Work with the Press