TOPICS #26 — THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH: PRESIDENTIAL LEADERSHIP

Q1.     During the ongoing debates among Presidential aspirants, the candidates pretty much ask viewers and potential voters to choose between them on the grounds that “my plan” (on health care, immigration,” energy, taxes, etc) is better than “my opponent’s plan.” Such arguments might suggest a sensible basis for choosing between two candidates for dictator (and perhaps even two candidates for British Prime Minister), but do they provide a sensible basis for choosing between two candidates for U. S. President?

Q2      Does the Constitution provide the President with powers that enable him to live up to the apparent expectations of the American public? And why are these expectations so high?

Q3.     What circumstances enhance or undermine the effective power of President?

20th century expectations of Presidents vs. powers of office of President

President vs. Congress: national vs. local representation

balance of constitutional powers between President and Congress

          Congress has taxing, spending, and lawmaking powers

          President’s lack of control over Congress => less control over bureaucracy

          the "two Presidencies" thesis (Aaron Wildavsky)

Richard Neustadt, Presidential Leadership (1960)

          cf. Machiavelli, The Prince (~1525)

          "powers" vs. power of the President

                     “cases of command”

                     veto power

          from “chief clerk” to powerful leader

                     power to persuade: professional reputation and public prestige

Presidential resources for power

          unitary office with some constitutional powers

          the “institutional presidency”

                     Budget and Accounting Act (1921) and central clearance (1939)

                     Executive Office of the President

                                Office of Management and Budget

                                White House Office

          “the bully pulpit” and development of mass media: “going public”

                     evolution of the “state of the union” message