1. “Is the Separation of Powers Obsolete?
Robert Spitzer

2. Changing Roles of the Presidency
The 19th C president had to resort to all kinds of unhanded, and secret means to get anything done.
Wilson: President was not expected to led Congress in any direct or effective way.

3. Presidential –Congressional Relationship
Marginal and Hegemonic?
How Powerful is the President?
One school of thought argues that president remain on the margin.
Edwards: Presidents are “at the margins.”
Bond and Fleisher: “weak legislative actor”
Example:
Clinton Health Care Plan?
Bush’s Social Security Reform?
Obama Immigration Reform?

4. Presidential –Congressional Relationship
Ineffective Congress/Ascendant President Argument
The view of Congress as ineffective has a long history.
Nature of Congressional Ineffective
The size, and decentralized nature of Congress has invited:
1) Special interest peddling
2) Corruption
3) Inefficiency

5. Presidential –Congressional Relationship
What Type of Change is Desirable?
The public is looking for a better working relationship between Congress and the presidency
How do we get there?
1) Divided Government
2) Party Government

6. Presidential –Congressional Relationship
Dangers of Reforming Congress
Spitzer that any real reform of Congress would than likely strengthen the presidency
Examples: Reforms
Eliminate mid-term elections
Minimize Legislative functions
Result: “Constitutional Dictatorship”

7. Presidential –Congressional Relationship
Imperial Congress
1970s: Liberals attacked the power of conservative congressional committee chairs.
1980s: Conservatives attacked the liberal congressional opposition to Reagan policies. A “tethered President.”
1990s: Conservative centralize power in the Speaker
2000s: A complacent Congress?

8. Presidential –Congressional Relationship
Conservative Defense of Presidency
Hamilton: Strong executive is key to good government.
Excessive Legalism
Congress’s wrangling and indecision has undermined government effectiveness.
Example: Independent Counsels
Watergate
Clinton Impeachment

9. Presidential –Congressional Relationship
Conservative Defense of Presidency
Cheney’s Law

10. Presidential –Congressional Relationship
Conservative Defense of Presidency
Imperial Congress
Congress has violated the separate of powers by encroaching on the powers of the executive.