The Growth of Presidential Power

Conception of the Founders I. Original conception of founders: Congress, not the president, was to be the dominant power. A.Some presidents (e.g. Harding, Coolidge) have had a limited view of the office and let Congress take the initiative. B. Recent presidents (e.g. LBJ, Nixon, Reagan, Obama?) have tried to assume more control and leadership by taking the initiative themselves. The power of the office has grown considerably throughout the last century.

Non-constitutional sources of presidential power II. Non-constitutional sources of presidential power A. Unity of the office: the office is held by one man, as opposed to 535-member congress. B. Presidential character and personality: Strong personalities such as the Roosevelts, LBJ, Reagan can have a great impact. C. Growing complexity of society: demands from public increased in areas of public concern, e.g. pollution, labor issues, air travel safety, terrorism.

Non-constitutional sources of presidential power (Cont.) D. Congressional delegation of authority to the executive branch: 1. Congress often writes broadly-worded legislation and lets executive agencies “fill in the holes.” 2. Congress often bows to Presidential demands in time of economic or foreign crisis. 3. Congress often bows to the President when he can proclaim a mandate from the people after a large electoral victory, e.g., Reagan insisting upon tax cuts and higher defense spending after 1980 election What about Obama?

Non-constitutional sources of presidential power (Cont.) E. Mass media places president in public eye: TV= “electronic throne” F. Emergence of U.S. as great superpower after WWII. Cold War placed US. Into virtual non-stop crisis situation after 1945  assumption of great powers by the President to deal with various crises What about the “War on Terror?”; The Economic “Crisis?”; The health care “crisis?” “You never want a serious crisis to go to waste.” – Rahm Emanual (President Obama’s Chief of Staff)