1. American Government and Organization PS1301 Friday, 13 February

2. Presidential Popularity

3. Bush’s Approval Ratings

4. Handling of the Economy

5. Handling of Foreign Affairs

6. Handling Situation with Iraq

7. National Direction Associated Press poll conducted by Ipsos-Public Affairs. Feb. 2-4, 2004. N=1,000 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.1. (Data from 11/03 and earlier co-sponsored by Cook Political Report.)

8. Confidence in Dealing w/ Economy CBS News/New York Times Poll. Jan. 12-15, 2004. N=1,022 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

9. Ability to deal with International Crisis CBS News/New York Times Poll. Jan. 12-15, 2004. N=1,022 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

10. How popularity can influence Congress Opposition party can substantially increase support (1/3 rd of total support) Presidents may behave differently (less willing to compromise?) Who gets credit

11. Reasons for Influence on Own Party Members Policy agreement Successful president helps party Small favors Fundraisers, photo op Fundraisers, photo op

12. Reasons for Less Influence on Own Party Members No sanctions Little personal contact between president and rank and file members Different constituencies National vs. district/state National vs. district/state

14. The President As Legislator: The Veto Perhaps the president’s most formidable tool in dealing with Congress is the veto. Constitution defines the veto precisely. Used relatively rarely – most used by Gerald Ford. In the past 50 years, the average is fewer than 10 vetoes a year. The veto allows the president to block congressional action, but does not allow the president to substitute his own policy preferences.