Consider: How is the modern presidency different from that envisioned by the Founders? Homework: Assignment #6 for Monday Legislative History Assignment due Dec 10 th
Presidents Vs. Prime Ministers Factors that affect a president’s ability to accomplish a legislative program… Presidents as outsiders Presidents choose cabinet members Presidents have no automatic majority in Congress Does divided government necessarily lead to policy gridlock? Is this even a bad thing?
The Evolution of the Presidency The Founding (1790 – 1828) A “modest” presidency; little power or prestige Few vetoes; president as executive The Jacksonian Period (1828 – 1836) Increased power of president; conflict with Congress More veto, not just on constitutional grounds The Era of Congressional Dominance (1840s - FDR) “no-name presidents”; opposition to Congress at best Lincoln the only exception; how? A Reemergence of Presidential Prerogative? FDR, Johnson, Nixon, Bush the Younger, Obama?
The Power of The President What are some of the basic powers conferred by the Constitution? In what circumstances, or under what conditions, can he utilize power beyond what is stated in the Constitution? The War Powers Act -
The War Powers Act REPORTING SEC. 4. (a) In the absence of a declaration of war, in any case in which United States Armed Forces are introduced-- (1) into hostilities or into situations where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances; (2) into the territory, airspace or waters of a foreign nation, while equipped for combat, except for deployments which relate solely to supply, replacement, repair, or training of such forces; or (3) in numbers which substantially enlarge United States Armed Forces equipped for combat already located in a foreign nation; the president shall submit within 48 hours to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and to the President pro tempore of the Senate a report, in writing, setting forth-- (A) the circumstances necessitating the introduction of United States Armed Forces; (B) the constitutional and legislative authority under which such introduction took place; and (C) the estimated scope and duration of the hostilities or involvement. (b) The President shall provide such other information as the Congress may request in the fulfillment of its constitutional responsibilities with respect to committing the Nation to war and to the use of United States Armed Forces abroad libya-mission/ libya-mission/
Keys to Presidential greatness Rated Intelligence – Although we did not have intelligence test scores, we did ask our raters how intelligent, inventive, insightful, complex, and wise they perceived the various presidents to be. Assertiveness, is the single most important trait to presidential success. Presidents are an assertive group, and on the average score higher than eight of ten typical Americans. Positive Emotions – A president's optimism and enthusiasm are important for performance on the job, but also for getting elected. Activity Level – Highly energetic chief executives like TR, LBJ, and Carter tend to be rated higher on this scale by historians than more placid characters like Grant, Taft, and Coolidge. Achievement striving (having high goals and working towards them in a systematic and focused manner) is an obvious asset and is related to success in most all walks of life apart from the arts. Low Straightforwardness – Historians tell us that a president's credibility is essential to the ability to lead. Yet, the tendency and ability to deceive is correlated with historians' ratings of presidential success. Tender-Mindedness predicts both presidential success and ethical behavior on the job. Competence – High scorers on this scale seek appropriate information when faced with a decision, have good judgment, and are broadly capable. Low Vulnerability – Presidents who feel unnerved by stress and unable to cope with problems on their own (score high on Vulnerability) are likely to be given low marks by historians.