1. The American Presidency
I. The head of state and head of government
II. US presidential power has evolved over time.
III. Unique nature of studying the presidency
What about the presidency in Korea?
Head of state and head of government?
“Imperial Presidency” in Korea?
Studies of the presidency in Korea?

2. I. Presidential power is “power to persuade.”
Richard Neustadt’s “power-to-persuade” (1960)
Classical understanding of presidential power and praised
by John F. Kennedy
the core of presidential power: “persuasion”
Successful uses of presidential power don’t come from the
Constitution, but from the ability of the president to
persuade. He must master the art of persuasion.
have to make others think it is in their interest to do what
the president wants, not because it is in the president’s
interest.

3. Neustadt’s Propositions
To be a leader, a president must have a will for power.
The skill of a president is a necessary energizing factor.
Sensitivity and solutions are critical.
Persuade members of Congress to think that his requests are
in their own best interests.
Exploit events and crises to gain attention
Don’t delegate the job of being chief politician to others.
Popularity and public prestige produce favorable credit for a president.
Even the most skillful of presidents should be flexible.

4. “Power-to-persuade” approach
“power-to-persuade” are composed of …
I. professional reputation
the president’s standing “Inside the Beltway.”
Influence will depend on the appraisals of those who would be influenced
II. public prestige
the president’s standing in the public
(ex) “approval numbers”

5. Presidential Approval Ratings, 1946-2004 (Causes and Implications)
Bush 41
LBJ
Reagan
Truman
Ford
Ike
Bush 43
JFK
Nixon
Carter
Clinton

6. Presidential Approval Ratings in Korea

7. Presidential Approval Ratings
Why Disapproval Ratings Rise Over Time?
Presidents can’t please everybody. (Polk)
People only see their good points at first. (Carter)
Presidents are scapegoats for our problems. (Van Buren)
The job is too much for one individual. (Hoover)
They make too many promises they can’t keep. (LBJ)
Presidents often have to make unpopular decisions. (Truman)
Presidents are not as powerful as people often think. (Wilson)
People don’t always look at the overall record of a president. (Bush 41)

8. Presidential Power Presidential power as “power-to-persuade”
Is this it?
Is there any other explanation about presidential power?