1. The Presidency
Wilson 14A

2. Objective Questions Who Governs? To What Ends?
Did the founders expect the presidency to be the most important political institution?
How important is the president’s character in determining how he governs?
Should we abolish the electoral college?
Is it harder to govern when the presidency and the Congress are controlled by different political parties?

3. Intent of the Presidency
Imperial Presidency
Helpless Giant
Unique to US
Prime Minister
Outsiders
Separate Cabinets
Divided government
Rival branches
Often no majority in Congress
Gridlock?
Unified government myth

4. Creation of the Institution
Framers feared anarchy and monarchy equally
Plural executive
Elective monarchy
Trusted/needed Washington
Top concerns
Use militia to overpower states
Become a tool of the Senate
Elections and terms
ELECTORAL COLLEGE

5. Early Presidents
Washington – legitimacy, factions, bureaucracy, foreign relations
Jackson – popular, growing union, challenge Congress
Antebellum – weakened executive
Lincoln – broad use of power
Reconstruction – opposition to Congress
FDR – New Deal, legislative program, large staff, media