P3 US Presidency

What are the formal powers of the US President?

Commander-in-Chief, veto power, appointing judges and officials (with Senate consent), granting pardons, executing laws.

What is the President's role as Head of State?

Represents the nation ceremonially and diplomatically, embodying national unity.

What is the President's role as Head of Government?

Leads the executive branch, proposes policies, oversees administration.

How have presidents since 1992 used formal powers?

Varied use: Clinton used vetoes strategically; Bush expanded executive power post-9/11; Obama relied on appointments and vetoes; Trump used executive orders extensively.

What are informal sources of presidential power?

Electoral mandate, executive orders, powers of persuasion, media presence, and control of the executive bureaucracy.

What is an electoral mandate?

The authority granted by voters through a clear election victory, giving legitimacy to pursue policy goals.

How do executive orders enhance presidential power?

Allow the president to make policy without Congress, useful for quick action but controversial due to limited checks.

What is the role of the Executive Office of the President (EXOP)?

Supports the president with policy advice, budget management, and national security coordination (e.g. NSC, OMB).

What are powers of persuasion?

The president's ability to influence Congress, public opinion, and other political actors to achieve policy aims.

How has the use of powers of persuasion varied since 1992?

Clinton was skilled in persuasion; Bush often bypassed persuasion via executive action; Obama used public appeals; Trump challenged norms and often bypassed Congress.

What factors affect the president's relationship with Congress?

Party control, divided government, midterms, public approval, personal leadership style.

How does the Supreme Court limit presidential power?

By ruling on constitutionality of executive actions and laws (e.g. limiting travel bans or immigration orders).

What is the imperial presidency?

A term describing a president who exceeds constitutional powers, often acting unilaterally and with limited accountability.

Positives of an imperial presidency

Allows swift decision-making in crises, strong leadership.

Negatives of an imperial presidency

Threatens checks and balances, risks authoritarianism.

What is the imperilled presidency?

A presidency limited by Congress, courts, or public opinion, struggling to achieve policy goals.

Causes of an imperilled presidency

Divided government, scandals, weak electoral mandates, opposition.

What impact does the election cycle have on presidential power?

Power typically wanes in the second term as "lame duck," reducing influence over Congress and policy.

How does divided government limit the president?

Congress blocks legislation, refuses confirmations, limits budget and oversight powers.

What is unified government?

When the president's party controls both chambers of Congress, facilitating smoother policymaking.

Strengths of unified government

Allows rapid passage of the president's agenda; easier confirmation of appointments.

Weaknesses of unified government

Risks unchecked executive power; reduces congressional oversight.

How accountable is the president to Congress?

Congress can impeach, refuse budget and legislation, confirm appointments — but effectiveness varies with political context.

What role does the president play in foreign policy?

Leads diplomacy, negotiates treaties, commands military, sets foreign policy agenda.

How have post-1992 presidents exercised foreign policy power?

Bush in the War on Terror; Obama with multilateralism and Iran deal; Trump's America First approach and unpredictable diplomacy.

What are key debates about presidential power?

Balance between strong leadership and constitutional limits; accountability vs. efficiency.

How effectively have recent presidents achieved their aims?

Mixed: successes like welfare reform (Clinton), healthcare reform (Obama), and tax cuts (Trump); failures due to gridlock, courts, or public opposition.

What are strengths of the US presidency?

Decisive leadership, national unity symbol, ability to respond in crises.

What are weaknesses of the US presidency?

Potential for overreach, dependence on Congress and courts, vulnerability to political polarization.

How does public opinion affect presidential power?

High approval boosts influence; low approval weakens ability to persuade and negotiate.

What is the significance of executive orders in modern presidencies?

Frequent use as a tool to bypass Congress, controversial for lack of checks, can be overturned by successor presidents or courts.

What role does the cabinet play in presidential power?

Advises president, administers departments, can influence policy but limited by presidential control.

How do national events shape presidential power?

Crisis events (e.g. 9/11, COVID-19) often expand presidential power temporarily.

What are informal constraints on presidential power?

Public opinion, media scrutiny, party support, internal White House dynamics.