1. 5-3: Presidential Informal Powers

2. Public Support Presidents rely heavily on persuasion
Politics can trump policy
Skilled communicators more successful
Importance of public opinion polls

3. Presidential Approval Levels
Overview
The Poll: “Do you approve or disapprove of the way [name of President] is handling his job as president?”
Approve
Disapprove
Not Sure
General trend—high at beginning of term, low at end of term
Often tied to the economy

4. Presidential Approval Levels
Factors Increasing Approval Ratings
“Honeymoon period”
Positive media coverage
Foreign policy success
Strong economy
National crises

5. Presidential Approval Levels
Factors Decreasing Approval Ratings
Scandals
Negative press coverage
Expectations exceed performance
Lengthy wars
High unemployment

6. The President and the Media
More successful than Congress in setting policy agenda
Represents nation, not a district
More powerful than any one member of Congress
Speaks in a single voice
“leader of the free world”