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”

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

Immediate needs of the nation Gulf of Tonkin Resolution gave LBJ authority to “take all necessary steps, including the use of armed force” to protect Americans in Vietnam. Informal Sources of Power

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

Limits on Presidential Power Limitation by Congress Override of a veto Confirmation power of Congress Control of appropriations Power to impeach

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. Limits on Presidential Power

Styles of Leadership Must understand the public and communicate well with the public

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 Styles of Leadership

Ability to compromise Styles of Leadership

Political courage Styles of Leadership

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

Dangers of Isolation Presidential Isolation

The President must stay in touch with the American people and with new ideas. Presidential Isolation