Evaluate the view that the President’s Formal Powers are more important than their Informal Powers in getting what they want

(1) Point against my view

• Constitutional Authority and Legitimacy

• The role of Commander-in-Chief grants the president significant control over military actions and national security decisions.

• Executive orders: These orders allow the president to manage the operations of the federal government and implement policy without needing Congressional approval.

(1) Example for point against my view

• Biden's decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan in 2021 was a significant exercise of his military authority.

• Biden signed Executive Order 13985 on Jan 20, 2021, titled "Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government." This order aimed to address systemic barriers and ensure equal access to opportunities and benefits for historically underserved communities, including people of color and those affected by persistent poverty and inequality.

(1) Point for my view

• Flexibility and Adaptability:

• Presidents often need to persuade Congress, the bureaucracy, and other political actors to achieve their goals, which requires negotiation and coalition-building.

• Executive agreements: These allow for more agile and responsive foreign policy actions without the need for Senate ratification.

(1) Example for point for my view

• Biden's success in passing the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill in November 2021 relied heavily on his ability to negotiate and persuade lawmakers from both parties.

• The Biden administration's use of executive agreements to coordinate with allies on sanctions against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022 demonstrates the flexibility of informal powers in foreign policy.

1. Stronger argument ?

• While the veto power is a strong formal tool, its use is often seen as a last resort and can lead to political backlash. In contrast, the power to persuade allows the president to build consensus and achieve goals without direct confrontation, making it a more flexible and adaptable strategy for governance.

(2) Point against my view

• Legal Binding and Enforcement

• While requiring Senate approval, the power to negotiate treaties is a critical tool in foreign policy.

• The ability to grant pardons can have immediate and profound impacts on individuals and policy.

(2) Example for point against my view

• Biden rejoined the Paris Agreement on climate change on his first day in office.

• Trump issued a total of 143 pardons during his 4 years in office, with the vast majority coming in Jan 2021 at the end of his term. E.g. Steve Bannon, Trump's former chief strategist, who was pardoned for fraud charges.

(2) Point for my view

• Public Influence

• Bully Pulpit: Presidents can use their visibility and media access to shape public opinion and build support for their policies, indirectly influencing Congress and other stakeholders.

• Social Media and Modern Communication: These tools enhance the president's ability to communicate directly with the public and mobilise support.

(2) Example for point for my view

• Biden's use of national addresses to garner support for COVID-19 vaccination efforts, including mandates and funding for vaccination programs, shows the power of public persuasion.

• Former President Trump’s use of Twitter to mobilize his base and influence public opinion on a wide range of issues, from immigration to election integrity, highlights the importance of direct communication channels.

2. Stronger argument ?

• While treaty negotiation is a powerful formal tool, it is limited by the need for Senate approval. The ability to shape public opinion and rally support can exert continuous pressure on Congress and other political actors, often leading to more immediate and widespread influence on a range of policy areas.

(3) Point against my view

• Long-Term Impact

• Judicial appointments can shape the legal landscape for decades, influencing key decisions on constitutional and statutory interpretation.

• Vetoes can prevent undesired legislation from becoming law, maintaining a check on Congressional power.

(3) Example for point against my view

• In May 2023, Biden vetoed resolution to void a Commerce Dept. rule suspending some solar panel tariffs, arguing it would undermine U.S. solar industry expansion.

• Biden nominated KBJ

(3) Point for my view

• Political Party Leadership

• As the leader of their party, the president can leverage party loyalty to push their legislative agenda and ensure party cohesion.

(3) Evidence for point for my view

• Biden's leadership in rallying Democratic support for the American Rescue Plan in March 2021, a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package, demonstrates his role in shaping party consensus and policy.

3. Stronger argument ?

• While judicial appointments have a long-term impact, the influence of party leadership can be more immediate and widespread in achieving legislative success. Leveraging party loyalty can result in more cohesive and effective policy implementation, providing the president with a reliable base of support.