12: The Presidency
- Page ID
- 284322
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)- 12.0: Introduction
- This page discusses the presidency's evolution since the 1787 Constitutional Convention, emphasizing the balance of power among branches. It notes that effective presidents work collaboratively with Congress and the judiciary, while unilateral actions can lead to controversy. The chapter highlights the critical role of persuasion and compromise in contemporary presidential leadership, underscoring the challenges and strategies faced by modern chief executives.
- 12.1: The Design and Evolution of the Presidency
- This page details the evolution of the U.S. presidency since 1787, highlighting its development, selection process via the Electoral College, and power dynamics, including the impeachment procedure (notably involving four presidents). It notes the expansion of presidential authority through historical events and tools like a cabinet, executive orders, and military actions.
- 12.2: The Presidential Election Process
- This page examines the complexities of the U.S. Electoral College, noting instances where presidential candidates won despite losing the popular vote. It critiques the electoral process for its evolution and impact on candidate extremism, while supporters argue it maintains federalism.
- 12.3: Organizing to Govern
- This page outlines the U.S. presidential transition process, emphasizing the importance of a smooth power transfer and the complexities of cabinet appointments and Senate confirmations. It highlights the growing White House staff, the role of vice presidents in governance, and challenges like recess appointment loopholes.
- 12.4: The Public Presidency
- This page outlines the evolving role of first ladies in the U.S. from the twentieth century to present. Initially, they acted as private advisors but increasingly advocated for social issues, exemplified by Eleanor Roosevelt's civil rights efforts. Later figures like Betty Ford, Rosalynn Carter, and Hillary Clinton expanded this activism, facing both support and backlash.
- 12.5: Presidential Governance- Direct Presidential Action
- This page explores the dual nature of presidential powers, including formal and informal mechanisms like executive orders, pardons, and vetoes, emphasizing their potential and limitations amid checks and balances. Historical examples illustrate how crises can provide unique opportunities for leadership, but ultimately, a president's success depends on external factors like political dynamics and congressional support.
- 12.6: Key Terms
- This page summarizes key terms relating to the powers and functions of the U.S. presidency, including the "bully pulpit," "cabinet," "executive agreements," and "executive orders." It covers the president's authority to withhold information ("executive privilege"), impeach officials, and implement public relations strategies. Additional concepts mentioned are the "line-item veto" and the "rally around the flag effect," which illustrate presidential influence and public perception dynamics.
- 12.7: Summary
- This page details the evolution and structure of the U.S. presidency, addressing its design at the Constitutional Convention, changes in the election process, and challenges faced in new administrations. It emphasizes the limited constitutional powers of the presidency, the impact of public perception, and the role of technology in communication.
- 12.8: Review Questions
- This page explores the evolution of presidential power in the U.S., examining skepticism about direct legislative elections, George Washington's role in expanding authority, and factors leading to increased power in the 20th century. It addresses changes in the electoral process post-1824, critiques of the Electoral College, the evolving role of first ladies, and presidential strategies for fulfilling campaign promises through executive agreements and negotiations.
- 12.9: Critical Thinking Questions
- This page examines presidential leadership in today's political landscape, focusing on the powers and challenges faced by presidents. It highlights ways to enhance presidential authority, the influence of technology, preferences for direct action versus formal legislation, and the implications of public appeals by presidents regarding their limitations.
- 12.10: Suggestions for Further Study
- This page details a collection of academic works about the presidency and presidential leadership in American politics, featuring authors like George C. Edwards, Stephen J. Wayne, and Richard E. Neustadt. It covers themes such as persuasive leadership, political decision-making, campaign impacts, and historical perspectives on presidential power, showcasing the evolution and complexities of presidential roles in influencing political outcomes.