1. Presidential Leadership

2. Presidential Powers

3.  Need for a strong Executive ◦ The founders recognized the need for a strong executive. ◦ A strong executive was needed to overcome the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. ◦ Also needed to hold the legislative branch in check.  Presidential Powers in Article II ◦ Grants the president broad but vaguely described powers. ◦ He heads the executive branch, is commander in chief, conducts foreign policy, and has judicial powers.

4.  Personal Exercise of Power ◦ Presidents have added to their powers by their actions:  Thomas Jefferson purchased the Louisiana territories despite the Constitution not granting that right to the President.  Theodore Roosevelt declared his intent to do anything the needs of the nation required.

5.  Immediate Needs of the Nation ◦ During national crises, some presidents greatly expanded the powers of the presidency.  Abraham Lincoln suspended the writ of habeas corpus and jailed opponents of the Union without trials.  Franklin Roosevelt used the presidency to expand the role of the federal government.  George W. Bush was given sweeping new authority from Congress to fight terrorism.

6.  Mandate of the People ◦ Modern presidents claim their ideas and policies represent a mandate from the people, and they use all forms of mass media to build support for their ideas ◦ Reagan was called the “Great Communicator” for his ability to deliver his message directly to the people through television

7.  Limitation by Congress ◦ The Constitution gives Congress the power to limit presidential authority by overriding a veto or impeaching and removing the president from office for clear abuse of power.  Limitation by the Federal Courts ◦ Federal courts also limit the president’s power.  Marbury v. Madison established the Supreme Court’s right to review legislative action.  Youngstown Sheet and Tube Company v. Sawyer ruled that there is no statute which authorized the president to take control of a private business.

8.  Limitation by Bureaucracy ◦ The federal bureaucracy sometimes limits presidential power by obstructing programs or failing to carry them out properly. ◦ This happens often when key bureaucrats work closely with congressional leaders rather than the president.  Limitation by Public Opinion ◦ Public opinion can limit the president’s actions. ◦ Clinton’s health care program was derailed before it could be made into law because the people spoke out against it.

9. Roles of the President

10.  Represents the nation at ceremonial functions. ◦ Serves as host to visiting kings, queens, and heads of government. ◦ Throws out the first pitch at MLB games.  The president is considered more then a politician, but rather a symbol of the entire United States.

11.  Heads the 2 million person executive branch.  Influences how laws are executed through executive orders, presidential appointments, removal of appointed officials, and impoundment. ◦ Executive Order: a rule issued by the president that has the force of law. ◦ Impoundment: the president’s refusal to spend money Congress has voted to fund a program

12.  Grants pardons, reprieves, or amnesty ◦ Reprieve: grants a postponement of legal punishment ◦ Pardon: a release from legal punishment ◦ Amnesty: a group pardon to people for an offense against the government

13.  Legislative Programs ◦ The president proposes legislation to Congress, usually in the State of the Union Address. ◦ The president must work harder for congressional support when Congress is controlled by the opposition party.  Tools of Presidential Lawmaking ◦ The president may use political favors to gain congressional support ◦ The president has the threat of the veto to influence Congress.

14.  The president has gained important economic powers since the New Deal.  Promotes high employment, production, and purchasing power.  Required to prepare the federal budget each year.

15.  The president helps raise party funds and plan campaign strategies.  The president uses political patronage to appoint party members to government jobs. ◦ Patronage: the practice of granting favors to reward party loyalty

16.  The president directs foreign policy and overseas foreign affairs information agencies.  The Power to make Treaties ◦ With Senate approval, presidents can make treaties, or formal agreements with foreign governments.

17.  The Power to make Executive Agreements ◦ The president can make pacts with heads of foreign government. ◦ Theses agreements have the same legal status as treaties but do not require Senate approval.  Recognition of Foreign Governments ◦ The president determines whether the government will acknowledge the legal existence of another government.

18.  The president shares, with Congress, the power to wage war.  The president makes key military policy decisions.  The president supports war efforts on the home front during wars.  The president may use the armed forces to end disorders or give aid in natural disasters.

19. Styles of Leadership

20.  Modern presidents have provided strong leadership for the nation, even though the Founders expected Congress to lead the nation.  Presidents provide leadership in introducing bold new ideas as well as responding to crises at home and abroad.

21.  Presidents must know and understand the people of the United States.  Presidents must be able to communicate effectively and to explain their policies clearly in order to inspire public support.  Presidents must know when the time is right to introduce new policies or make key decisions.

22.  Successful presidents must: 1. be flexible and open to new ideas; 2. be able to compromise; 3. have political courage and be willing to go against public opinion in matters they believe are vital to the nation’s interests.

23.  The special treatment given to modern presidents risks isolating them from information and advice they should have to carry out their duties effectively.  Presidents may discourage staffers from disagreeing with them or giving them unpleasant advice.

24.  Access to the president often forces top staffers and advisers to flatter the president and provide only good news and favorable opinions.  Top staffers control access to the president.  Dealing with White House staff requires much of the president’s time and makes it more difficult to keep in touch with the public.

25.  To keep White House discussions and advice secret, presidents invoke executive privilege to avoid giving such information to Congress or the courts.  Modern presidents have claimed that executive privilege also protects their communications with other members of the executive branch.  The Supreme Court has ruled that executive privilege is constitutionally based.