CHAPTER 7
The Presidency
Learning Objectives
7.1 Identify the past traits of presidents; assess the requirements for holding the
position.
7.2 Describe the process by which presidents may be impeached and removed
from office.
7.3 Trace the evolution of the presidency from “chief clerk” in the late eighteenth
and nineteenth centuries to eventual dominance over the political system.
7.4 Explain how the modern presidency has persevered in the recent era of
divisiveness.
7.5 Define the formal powers vested in the president under Article II of the
Constitution, including the veto, appointments, the pardon power, and
commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
7.6 Discuss those implied powers of the presidency not spelled out in the
Constitution, including executive orders and agreements.
7.7 Describe the other individuals and offices in the executive branch that contribute
to the modern presidency.
7.8 Assess how the power of the presidency is enhanced by communications with
the public, the Congress, and the media.
2
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Where Do Presidents Come From?
Presidential Comings and Goings
Presidential Prerequisites
Article II Powers of the presidency
At least 35 years of age
Resident in the U.S. for at least 14 years
Twenty-second Amendment (Restricts
any one person from being elected to the
presidency “more than twice,” or from
acting as president for longer than two
and a half terms
3
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Where Do Presidents Come From?
Presidential Comings and Goings
Impeachment – The first -step in a two-
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step process outlined in Article II, Section
4, of the US Constitution to remove a
president or other high official from office.
The House of Representatives makes the
accusation ( removed by majority vote)
and the Senate tries through a court
procedure and removes by a 2/3 vote.
Johnson and Clinton impeached but not
removed. Nixon resigned.
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Military hero William Henry Harrison
won election to the presidency in 1840.
Yet for all of his strengths as a war
hero, he was ultimately a victim of his
own stubbornness. Inauguration Day,
March 4, 1841, was one of the coldest
and most blustery days of the year in
Washington, D.C. Harrison refused to
wear a hat and coat, and his nearly
two-hour inaugural address was one of
the longest in history. One month later
Harrison died of pneumonia, probably
contracted during his inaugural speech.
He was the first president to die in
office, but perhaps the last not to
bundle up warmly for his inauguration
day celebration.
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The Evolution of the American
Presidency
After Washington:The President as
“Chief Clerk” of the United States,
1789–1836
Performed administrative duties
Thomas Jefferson (18010-1809) 'the
government is best which governs least”
Trimmed many judgeships,trimmed
government planning, and armed forces
Louisiana Purchase the exception
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The Evolution of the American
Presidency
Congress more emphasis on domestic
policy and presidency more on foreign
policy
Madison War of 1812 (Great Britain and
the US) hampered by small size of the
federal army and by the lack of a powerful
national bank capable of funding the
government's prosecution.
7
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The Evolution of the American
Presidency
Monroe- Monroe Doctrine. Exercised most
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of his influence in foreign affairs and left
Congress to center on domestic policypaying down the War of 1812 and crafting
key compromises on slavery
John Quincy Adams ( who later became
president) was the Secretary of State to
Monroe and helped craft the Monroe
Doctrine ( unfriendly to any attempt by a
European nation to increse its possession
or interfere on the American continent).
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The Evolution of the American
Presidency
Andrew Jackson defied this role (1829-
1837)
The office of the presidency into a
tremendous political party
Military hero of the Battle of New Orleans
(1815) a lot of popular support
Introducing the spoil system of doling out
federal offices to individuals as rewards for
public service
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The Evolution of the American
Presidency
Dismissing hundreds of office holders and
forcing out cabinet members
Veto of Second National Bank of US
Expanded the vote to men who didn't own
property
Polk (1845-1849)-Westward
expansion(California, Texas, Oregon
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The Evolution of the American
Presidency
The Weakened Presidency in the
Wilderness Years, 1837–1900
Pre Civil war after President Jackson
were weak
Lincoln had power due to historical
factors- Civil War
Blockade of Southern ports/Called on
North to have 75,000 troops for battle
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The Evolution of the American
Presidency
The Weakened Presidency in the
Wilderness Years, 1837–1900
Unconstitutionally suspended the writ of
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habeas corpus-hold criminal defendants
indefinitely and spent funds from the
Treasury without Congressional
approval
Executive and legislative branch
strained during his presidency because
of his actions
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The Evolution of the American
Presidency
Lincoln's bold exercise of authority
essentially reinterpreted Article II into a
source of executive authority during
emergencies.
After Lincoln, Congress dominated
control over national agenda
(Reconstruction)
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The Evolution of the American
Presidency
 The Birth of the Modern
Presidency and Its Rise to
Dominance, 1901–1945
– Theodore Roosevelt established
presidential authority(Bully Pulpit)
– Breaking monopolies, increased national
parks and the Panama Canal/Stated he
wanted no interference in Latin America
but questionable.
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The Evolution of the American
Presidency
Woodrow Wilson(D). Wilson-League of
Nations, Income Tax continued this
authority and one of the first to have a
domestic agenda to present to Congress
15
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The Evolution of the American
Presidency
Franklin Roosevelt (D) Depression, .
Transformed the presidency into an
institution marked by permanent
bureaucracies and well-established
repositories of power
Creation of the FDIC (secure deposits)
Federal jobs to combat unemployment
Social Security
Unemployment benefits
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The Evolution of the American
Presidency
New Deal and World War II
Served four terms
No longer able to do this because of the
22nd Amendment-Restricts any one
person from being elected to the presidency
“more than twice,” of from acting as
president for longer than two and a half
terms
17
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18
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The Evolution of the American
Presidency
The Imperial Presidency Comes
Under Attack, 1945–1980
Johnson's Great Society
Johnson’s foreign policy failures
Backlash against subsequent presidents
Discussion: Why do presidents so often rely on foreign policy
successes to provide a popular boost to their
administrations?
19
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The Evolution of the American
Presidency
Redefining the Presidency in an
Era of Divisiveness, 1981–2012
Reagan had unmatched power-Great
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Communicator. Bypassed Congress and
went directly to the people.
Though president struggled with divided
government was successful in getting many
programs through. Democrats controlled the
House in every year of Reagan's term. They
refused to cut spending presidency. Reagan
also
builtLearning.
up military
and was instrumental
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© 2016 Cengage
All rights reserved.
The Evolution of the American
Presidency
Redefining the Presidency in an
Era of Divisiveness, 1981–2012
– Difficulty in balancing budget because
Democrats controlled the House in every
year of Reagan's term. They refused to cut
domestic spending . Reagan also built up
military and was instrumental with
Gorbachev in breaking up the USSR.
21
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The Evolution of the American
Presidency
Redefining the Presidency in an
Era of Divisiveness, 1981–2012
Reagan's economic growth took off after first
3 years and job Growth tremendous. Raised
medium income of many economic groups.
 Obama ( Democrat House and Democrat
Senate for the first two years and then
Republicans got the House(2010-2014) and
the Senate in (2016). Controversial $825
billion fiscal bill and Obamacare in first term.
22
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The Evolution of the American
Presidency
Redefining the Presidency in an
Era of Divisiveness, 1981–2012
Most presidents go through a honey moon
period -first 6 months.
Rally around the president during war time.
9/11 George Bush's approval rating was 92%
Eventually declines
23
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Express Powers and
Responsibilities of the President
Head of State
Chief Executive and Head of
Government
Power of appointment
Reprieve
Pardon
Discussion: Does the president’s general dominance over
the field of foreign policy render him nearly unaccountable in
that arena? What are the dangers of the president enjoying
such exclusive control over foreign policy?
24
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AFP/Getty Images
President Barack Obama greets Russian
President Vladimir Putin at the G20 Summit in
Los Cabos, Mexico, in June 2012.
25
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Hulton Archive/Stringer/Getty Images
President Richard Nixon and Vice President
Gerald Ford conferring on August 9, 1974, the
day Nixon resigned from office.
26
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Express Powers and
Responsibilities of the President
Chief Diplomat-recognizes other
countries and their ambassadors
Meets with foreign heads of states
the presidents of other countries
Recognition can open up
relationships ( Cuba, Iran) but can
also be controversial
27
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Express Powers and
Responsibilities of the President
Chief Executive and Head of Government-
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Separation of Powers- Montesquieu.
Important so the branch that made the law did
not execute(implement) the law
Power of appointment-Judges, federal
executive department heads, and
ambassadors (Senate confirms)
To take care the laws are faithfully executed
Hire and fire those charge with administrative
authority with those charged to help execute
federal law
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Express Powers and
Responsibilities of the President
Removal Power- Able to remove
executive officers and cabinet officials and
the military without congressional consent.
Independent agencies are the exception,
need congressional approval
Pardon PowerAuthorized to grant reprieve and pardons
 Reprieve-reduce the severity of a
punishment without removing the guilt for
those who have violated the law.
29
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Express Powers and
Responsibilities of the President
Pardon-the president' s constitutional
authority to relieve an individual of both the
punishment and the guilt of violating the
law EX. Recent pardons of drug offenders
in prison. Pardon of many
undocumented/illegal residents
Ford with the pardon of Nixon
Clinton with Marc Rich
30
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Express Powers and
Responsibilities of the President
Chief Diplomat
Negotiate treaties and appoint diplomatic
representative to other countries , including
ambassadors , ministers, and consuls
Treaties need 2/3 of the Senate to
approve. (Start Treaty in 2010 that dealt
with Russia, decrease of nuclear offensive
and defensive weapons and validation of
deal)
31
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Express Powers and
Responsibilities of the President
Chief Diplomat
Often they will have executive agreements
which does not need the approval of the
Senate. Iran Deal is one such deal in which
many think it should be a treaty and not
agreement. ( Handles nuclear weapons
and requires validation)
32
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Express Powers and
Responsibilities of the President
Chief Diplomat
Chief Legislator
State of the Union address-An annual speech
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that the president delivers to congress laying
out the status of the nation and offering
suggestions for new legislation
White House Office of Legislative Affairs-A
presidential office that serves as a liaison
between the president and Congress. This
office helps the president develop the strategy
used
toCengage
promote
passage
of the president's
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© 2016
Learning. All rights
reserved.
legislative agenda
Express Powers and
Responsibilities of the President
Chief Diplomat
Chief Legislator
Vetoes became a routing form of political
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exercise for presidents, especially those
confronting Congresses controlled by the
opposite political party. Affects legislation.
Signing statements-the president's distaste
for the law may be so strong that even while
signing the bill into law, the president will still
express his intent to ignore the law in the form
of signing
Copyright
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Learning. All rights reserved.Can be called by the
Congress or the Courts.
Express Powers and
Responsibilities of the President
Chief Diplomat
Chief Legislator
Many of the signing statements are brought
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about with the perception of the Congress
encroaching upon the president's powers
George Bush had many with foreign policy
Obama said he would only use signing
statements when given legislation by
Congress that contained unconstitutional
provisions yet had 25 in the first five years of
his©presidency
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2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
36
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Express Powers and
Responsibilities of the President
Chief Diplomat
Often they will have executive agreements
which does not need the approval of the
Senate. Iran Deal is one such deal in which
many think it should be a treaty and not
agreement. ( Handles nuclear weapons
and requires validation)
37
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Express Powers and
Responsibilities of the President
Commander-in-chief
Commander-in-chief-commitment
to civil control of the military
Head of the nation's armed forces
Principal military leader, responsible for
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formulating and directing all military
strategy and policy. President Harry
Truman/MacArthur.
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Express Powers and
Responsibilities of the President
Commander in Chief
War Powers Act (1973)-theoretically limits
power of the president to commit troops but
has been ignored by presidents
Though Congress has the power to
declare war, several presidents have
been able to position troops without
intervention
Reagan (Granada), Clinton (Haiti) and
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Obama (Afghanistan)
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Implied Powers and
Responsibilities of the President
Crisis Manager -FEMA with
disasters, 9/11, economic crisis
Party Leader-position of the de
facto leader of his own political
party. Help secure control of
Congress for the Party
Executive Orders and Agreements
40
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Implied Powers and
Responsibilities of the President
Executive Orders-Rules or regulations
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issued by the chief executive that have
the force of law and do not require the
consent of Congress. Not mentioned
in the Constitution but as chief executive
and head of government, allowed to
make the directive (orders) for
administrative agencies underneath his
control
Includes the executive branch
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Implied Powers and
Responsibilities of the President
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Executive Orders
Some orders are very controversial
(immigration) and allows the
president to use the powers to
pardon to circumvent the
Congressional laws
Can be revoked by the Courts and
Congress/Power of the Purse
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Implied Powers and
Responsibilities of the President
Executive Agreements- A pact
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reached between the president and a
foreign government that does not
require the consent of Congress
Post Office, trade, agriculture
Iran Deal considered an agreement and
not a treaty, very controversial because
many think should be a treaty because
of the nuclear escalation and terror
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Implied Powers and
Responsibilities of the President
Executive AgreementsLike executive orders, not mentioned in
the Constitution but because of chief
diplomat and head of state, afforded the
opportunity to make many agriculture,
trade, and embassies
44
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Presidential Resources
Vice President
First in the line to succeed the president
Order of Succession:VP, Speaker of the
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House, President pro tempore of the
Senate, Cabinet members
In the event of a vacancy in the Vice
presidency, the 25 th amendment
ensures the vacancy in the office of
the vice presidency can be filled
without election
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Presidential Resources
Vice President
modern-day vice presidents have
assumed roles as key advisers,working
with executive branch officials, and
promoting the administration's legislative
agenda
46
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Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Vice President Joe Biden shakes hands with an Amtrak
officer. Biden was a patron and supporter of Amtrak; when
he was still a U.S. senator he commuted 250 miles a day by
train from his home in Wilmington, Delaware, when the
Senate was in session.
47
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Presidential Resources
Cabinet
The Cabinet-The collection of the
principal officers in each of the executive
departments of the federal government
who serve as key advisers to the
presidents
15 heads of departments and 6 other
important officials considered of “cabinet
rank” (EPA)
48
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Presidential Resources
Provide critical input to the president on
issues related to their own department
Have a dual role, one to the president
and one to the department who have
many career bureaucrats who may have
different ideas
Testify before Congressional hearings
49
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Presidential Resources
The Executive Office of the
President and the White House
Staff-Numerous agencies that
assist with the management and the
administration of the of executive
branch departments
50
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Presidential Resources
Office of the Management and
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Budget (OMB)-Budget and including
president's ideas and goals, and
regulations
President's Council of Economic
Advisers
National Security Council -National
Security Adviser, Joint Chief of Staff,
Defense Department, DNI,State
Department
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Presidential Resources
Environmental Council
Appointed by President and
confirmed by Senate
White House Chief of Staff-serves
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the president's organizational needs,
including speechwriting, advance work
for presidential appearances,
scheduling, congressional relations,
public relations and communications
Hire/Fire. No Senate confirmation
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Presidential Resources
The First Lady-Can be an asset in
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helping the president deliver his
message and develop her/his
unique program
Eleanor Roosevelt
Nancy Reagan-Just say No
Barbara and Laura
Bush/Literacy/Reading program
Michelle Obama-childhood obesity
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Important Presidential Relationships
The President and the Public
Power to persuade/Neustadt. Convince
others of his positions who may not
necessarily agree with him.
Attentive to the sentiments of the public
at large
Engage the public to support
administration policies
Following public opinion rolls
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Important Presidential Relationships
The President and Congress
Important role in the legislative process.
Reagan with tax cuts and Clinton with welfare
reform
Campaign for Congressional candidates and
leverage that assistance into support
Members of congress friendly to the
administration who persuade others.
Future appointments and pork-barrel projects
55
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Important Presidential Relationships
The President and the Media
Most effective channel through
which presidents can communicate
information about their policies to
the public
Interesting headlines to attract
numbers vs. policy/issues
56
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Important Presidential Relationships
The President and the Media
White House press secretary-briefing the
press, organizing new conferences, “spin”
White House Director of communications
to articulate a consistent and effective
message to the public
The president to craft a message and hone
their public images. Ronald Reagan , the
great communicator. Going Public- Going
directly to the people and around Congress
57
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