The President: from
chief clerk to chief
executive
CALEB SMITH, MASON STEVENS, SOFIA MARTIN, CARTER BALL, AUSTIN
VOIGHT, JOSEPH BOEHM
1. Explain Neustadt’s argument about the Framers creating a
government of “separated powers?”
Power is shared, not separated
Separate institutions share power through federalism, the bill of
rights, and congress
Separation assured via nomination process
2. How does the president’s authority and status impact his
power? Provide examples from the reading to support your
answer
Lots of authority and status means the president can persuade
people
Powers include: veto, appointments, publicity, and budgeting
Power to persuade: bargain, status and authority
3. How did Harry Truman “persuade” Senator
Vandenberg to support the Marshall Plan?
Consulted Vanderberg over the negotiation process
Agreed to changes dealing with finances Vanderberg requested
Appointed a Republican to lead an agency Vanderberg wanted,
even though Truman did not want that person
4. Using recent presidents identify and explain one example of
Neustadt’s argument that president’s cannot get their way by
command, but must bargain to get what they want.
Tax cuts in 2001
Bush initially proposed a cut of 1.6 trillion
Bush accepted a compromise of 1.35 trillion until 2011
Democrats against the cut at first, but bargaining and cooperation
prevailed