5: The Presidency- Design and Evolution
- Page ID
- 23441
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)- 5.1: Module Introduction
- This page explores the design and evolution of the American presidency, highlighting its constitutional roots and the expansion of power over time due to ambiguous language and historical events. Initially intended to limit authority, the presidency has grown significantly, especially in the 20th century through world wars and economic crises. Students will develop critical thinking on these themes through readings, discussions, and quizzes.
- 5.2: Lecture Content
- This page examines executive power in Article II of the U.S. Constitution through descriptive and conferral models. The descriptive model summarizes enumerated powers, as seen with President Eisenhower, while the conferral model includes inherent powers, illustrated by Nixon's executive privilege. It also outlines three presidential power models: Hamiltonian, Madisonian, and Jeffersonian, reflecting different governance styles.
- 5.3: Reading- The Powers of the Presidency
- This page explores the U.S. presidency's role and powers, focusing on personalization through media and public perception. It details constitutional powers, limitations through Congress and judiciary, and historical contexts of impeachment, particularly Nixon and Clinton. The evolution of the vice presidency and the Executive Office showcases the growing complexity of presidential power dynamics.
- 5.4: Reading- Presidential Elections
- This page outlines the U.S. presidential election process, covering candidate nominations via caucuses and primaries, the role of national conventions, and the importance of the Electoral College. It explains how delegates select nominees and how conventions help unify parties and promote policies. The summary emphasizes that a candidate can win the popular vote yet lose the presidency, citing George W. Bush's 2000 election as a key example.
- 5.5: Reading- How Presidents Get Things Done
- This page explores the complexities of presidential power, focusing on the interplay with Congress, the challenges of partisan division, and methods presidents use to influence legislation through tools like vetoes and executive orders. It emphasizes the role of public perception in shaping legislative success and discusses the significance of presidential speeches in advancing policy goals.
- 5.6: Reading- The Presidency in the Information Age
- This page discusses the White House's communication strategy, centered on advocating for the president, managing media relations, and navigating criticism. It illustrates an evolution in the relationship between the White House and the press, highlighted by the challenges faced during President Obama's term, where he utilized various media platforms for engagement.
- 5.7: Putting It Together
- This page discusses the president's vital role in the political system while highlighting reliance on Congress, bureaucracy, and various government levels for effectiveness. It covers the president's agenda-setting abilities, lobbying efforts, and key strategies like appointments and executive orders. Additionally, it addresses challenges in media relations and the need for adaptation, exemplified by President Obama's experiences in balancing policy goals with media expectations.
- 5.8: Module 5 Assessments
- This page details assignments for Module 5, which centers on the doctrine of separation of powers and examines federal bureaucracy's potential overreach. Students will analyze a bureaucratic agency, evaluate the U.S. Constitution, take a quiz, and prepare for a future team project on a national issue. Guidelines for the team project stress balanced research and unbiased sources, with support available from professors. The project must be submitted as "Final_Project.


