1. American Government and Organization
PS1301
Monday, 13 October

2. Presidency
Leadership gravitates to presidents during crisis, but then dissipates quickly as the
crisis recedes.
Source of Power - Delegation of power from Congress and successful presidential assertions of authority (e.g. War Powers Act 1973)
President as commander in chief and head diplomat

3. The President and the Constitution
The president’s constitutional duties and authority as
commander in chief,
diplomat,
executive, and
legislator
are found in Article II of the Constitution.

4. Emergence of the Modern Presidency
Prior to 20th century, president exercised little power
Congress was main institution – leadership in policymaking
Growth of federal government and complexity of policy led to increased role for president
Also, involvement in world wars
Staff, resources grew as asserted more power (Executive Office of the President)

5. Sources of Presidential Power
Constitutional powers-formal powers
Delegated powers (vs. implied powers)
Presidential popularity

6. Presidential Popularity

7. Bush’s Job Approval

8. Handling of the Economy

9. Handling of Foreign Affairs

10. Handling Situation with Iraq

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

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

13. 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

15. 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.